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V 

TEXAS: 

§cr llcsouraB and her |3iiblic Pen, 



A COMPANION FOR 



J. PE CORDOVA'S NEW AND CORRECT MAP 



THE STATE OF TEXAS. 



By J. DE CORDOVxi. 



' Nothing extenuate, nor aught set down in malice." — Shakspeare. 



FIRST EDITION. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

J. B. LirriNCOTT k CO, 

1858. 







^^.^*^ 



a'' 



2} 

S3 



•«»s:-fc- 



TEXAS: i? 

HER RESOURCES AND HER PUBLIC MEX. 



GOVERNMENT. 

The Constitution of 1845 secures the right of voting to every white male citizen 
21 years of age and resident in the State twelve and in the district six months. 
Elections are held biennially. The Legislature is composed of a Senate, chosen 
for four years, and House of Representatives, for two years. Every voter is eligible 
to sit in the House ; Senators must be at least 30 years old. The sessions of the 
Legislature are biennial, commencing on the first Monday in November. The Gov- 
ernor and Lieutenant-Governor are chosen for two j'ears. They must have the 
qualifications of Senators, and the Lieutenant-Governor is ex-officio President of the 
Senate. The judiciary is exercised by a supreme court, district courts, etc., the 
judges of which are chosen by the people. The supreme court has appellate juris- 
diction only. In criminal cases where the penalty is not specified, the jury are 
authorized to determine it. Justices of the peace are elected in precincts for two 
years, and have jurisdiction in all cases in which the damages do not amount to 
over $100. The Constitution provides that "no law shall be passed to emancipate 
slaves except by their owner's consent, and after paying a full compensation for 
them;" "slaves accused of higher crimes than petit larceny shall have a fair trial 
by jury, and any one who maliciously dismembers or deprives a slave of life shall 
be punished as if he had committed the same crime on a white person, except in 
case of insurrection of such slave." Texas sends two representatives to Congress. 

ASTRONOMICAL POSITION. 

Between latitudes 25° 45' and 36° 30' north and longitudes 16° 28' and 29° 45' 
west from Washington, or 93° 30' and 106° 45' from Greenwich. 

BOUNDARIES. 

Northern : New Mexico, Kansas and Iiuliau Territories, from the latter of which 
it is chiefly separated by the Red River ; — eastern : the States of Arkansas and 
Louisiana, the Sabine being the dividing-line between Texas and Louisiana; — 
southern : the Gulf of Mexico ; — and western : the Rio Grande, which separates it 
from tlie Mexican States, and the Territory of New Mexico. 

DIMENSIONS. 

Q^y___ The greatest extent of the State, east and west, is about 800 miles, and north and 

•5^ south about 700 miles. The outline, however, is very irregular, and the extent in 

both directions averages a much less admeasurement. The superficies is estimated 

at 237,504 square miles, — an area nearly equal to that of the Austrian Empire, and 

more than three times the extent of the six New England States. 

(3) 



4 LATITUDES AND LONGITUDES— ELEVATIONS. 

LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF THE PRINCIPAL POINTS 
IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 

The utmost reliance can be placed upon the following table, as it has been 
prepared and arranged for us with great care and labor, and many of the points 
actually ascertained expressly for Do Cordova's Map of the State of Texas, by 
TIPTON WALKER, Esq. 
CIVIL ENGINEER AND ASTRONOMER, GALVESTON, 
who ia well known to own the finest and most complete set of astronomical 
instruments in the United States, and whose accuracy and attention to business 
of this nature are duly appreciated by all who are acquainted with him. 

La 

Sabine Pass 29° 

N. E. end of Galveston 29° 

Galveston City [Cathedral] 29° 

San Luis Pass 29° 

Velasco [Brazos River] 28° 

Mouth of the San Bernard 28° 

Paso Cavallo 28° 

Espiritu Santo Inlet 28° 

Aransas Pass 27° 

Corpus Christi Pass, 27° 

Brazos Santiago 26° 

Mouth of Rio Grande 25° 

San Antonio 29° 

Galveston City.® 29° 

* According to coast survey. 
ELEVATION OF DIFFERENT POINTS IN TEXAS. 

Most persons, forming their ideas from the level country i)ordering the Gulf 
coast, look upon Texas as a low, level country. The following table of altitudes 
carefully compiled by Stephen Crosby, Esq., Commissioner of the General Land 
Office, will convey more correct information upon the subject. 

Trespalacios, corner of stone ware- Rio San Pedro, last crossing 1827 

house 6J Howard's Spring 2075 

Galveston 10 Table-lands of Texas 2091 

Lavaca 24 Live- Oak Creek 2337 

Guadalupe, at the mouth of the Head of main or south fork of Red 

Sandies 50 River 2450 

City of Houston 60 Llano Estacado (Staked Plain) 

Town of Columbus 250 from 2300 to 2500 

City of Gonzales 270 Rio Pecos Valley, from 2330 to 2658 

Cibolo 350 Rio Eseondido, first crossing 2660 

City of Austin 600 High table-lands beyond 3003 

San Antonio 635 First Point on the Rio Grande 3700 

Mouth of Little Wichita 750 El Paso 3750 

Castroville 767 Limpia, first crossing 3l»50 

Fortlnge 835 Leon Spring 4240 

Rio San Pedro, first crossing 859 Eagle Spring 4842 

Big Wichita 900 Painted Camp 5020 

Leona Mountain, near Fort Inge.... 950 Providence Creek 5492 

Junction of the south and north Highest point of the road to El 

forks of Red River 1100 Paso 5896 



itud 


e. 


Longitu 


de. 


41' 


06".. 


...93° 


45' 


20" 


21' 


02".. 


.. 94° 


49' 


20" 


18' 


11".. 


...94° 


48' 


00" 


02' 


90".. 


...95° 


22' 


00" 


67' 


30".. 


...95° 


33' 


05" 


51' 


01".. 


...95° 


49' 


03" 


19' 


20".. 


...96° 


22' 


06" 


05' 


25".. 


...96° 


61' 


20" 


51' 


05".. 


...97° 


03' 


40" 


37' 


02".. 


...97° 


16' 


00" 


06' 


00".. 


...97° 


13' 


15" 


65' 


68".. 


...97° 


11' 


28" 


25' 


18".. 


...98° 


30' 


00" 


18' 


17".. 


...94° 


46' 


30" 



POPULATION OF TEXAS. 



POPULATION OF TEXAS. 

No census of tho Stato of Texas has been taken since the year 1850 ; at that 
time there were only eighty counties in the State of Texas, and the whole number 
of the population was then only 154,034 white, and 58,161 colored; making a total 
of 212,592. 

It will no doubt be a matter of moment to all interested in Texas affairs, to trace 
up her gradual increase of population ; and as we can onlj' arrive at this by giving 
the popular vote, we have prepared the following table, and think we are justifiabla 
in taking it as our data that there are ten white inhabitants in Texas for every 
voter. The first executive officer elected in Texas, after the Revolution broke out, 
was a Provisional Governor, chosen by the " Consultation," on the 11th November, 
1835. The vote stood, 

For Henry Smith, of Brazoria 31 

" Stephen F. Austin 22 

" James W. Robinson, for Lieutenant-Governor 52 

On the adoption of the Constitution in March following, 1836, the Convention 
elected David G. Burnet President ad interim, and Lorenzo de Zavala Vice-Presi- 
dent, who served till the 22d October following, 1836. We have not the vote. 

For First President, September, 1836. 

Sam Houston 4,374 

Henry Smith 741 

Stephen F. Austin 589—5,704 

For Second President, September, 1838. 

Mirabeau B. Lamar 6,995 

Robert WUson 252—7,247 

For Third President, in 1841. 

Sam Houston 7.915 

David G. Burnet 3,619—11,534 

For Fourth and Last President, in 1844. 

Anson Jones 6,994 

Edward Burleson 5,695—12,689 

For First Governor, November, 1845. 

J. Pincknev Henderson 7,853 

Dr. James B. Miller 1,673 

Scattering 52—9,578 

For Governor in 1847. 

George T. Wood 7.154 

Dr. James B.Miller 5,106 

Nicholas H. Darnell 1,176 

J. J. Robinson 479 

Scattering 852—14,767 

For Governor in 1S49. 

P. Hansbrough Bell 10,318 

George T. Wood 8,764 

JohnT. MUls 2,633— 21,rif 



6 TITLES TO LANDS. 

For Governor in 1851. 

P. Hansbrough Bell 13,595 

Middleton T. Jobnson 5,262 

John A. Greer 4,061 

Benjamin H. Epperson 2,971 

Thomas J. Chambers 2,320 

Scattering 100—28,309 

For Governor in 1853. 

Elisha M. Pease 13,091 

William B. Ochiltree 9,178 

George T. Wood 5,983 

Lemuel D. Evans 4,677 

Thomas .J. Chambers 2,449 

John W. Dancy 315 

Scattering 459—36,162 

For Governor in 1855. 

Elisha M. Pease 26,336 

David C. Dickson 17,968 

Scattering 1,034—45,333 

For Governor in 1857. — Incomplete. 

Hardin R. Runnels .' 33,300 

Sam Houston 23,878—57,178 

It will be seen that the increase of the vote within the twenty-one years from 
September, 1836, to August, 1857, is over one thousand per cent. — unparalleled, 
we apprehend, by any State in the Union, excepting Wisconsin and California. 

— — *^»t*4*- — 

TITLES TO LANDS. 

The titles to lands in Texas may be classed under four different heads. The first 
or oldest are those emanating from the Spanish Government; the second, those 
issued by the Supreme Government of Mexico; third, those issued by the State 
of Coahuila and Texas ; and fourth, those by the late Republic now State of Texas. 

Those from the Spanish Government were issued for important services per- 
formed by individuals, and for ecclesiastical purposes, such as the founding and 
support of missions and churches, the conversion of the Indians and the spread of 
the Catholic religion. 

The grants from the Mexican Government were made on certain conditions, 
which were supposed to have a beneficial tendency in developing the resources 
of the country — such as the erection of mills, the raising of cattle — and sales for 
cash to recruit the exhausted treasury. 

Those from the State op Coahuila and Texas were for the same purposes as 
those issued by the Government of Mexico, and as headrights to settlers under 
contracts with Empresarios, as is evidenced by the contracts made and carried out 
by the different contractors, — by whom full titles have been issued. These con- 
tracts were four different ones to Stephen F. Austin and separate contracts to the 
following gentlemen : Sterling C. Robertson, David G. Burnet, Green de Witt, 



TITLES TO LANDS. 7 

Vehlin, Lorenzo de Zavala, Austin and Williams, Powers and Hewetson, and 
McMullen and McGloin. By virtue of the contract every single man was en- 
titled to a quarter league of land, and the head of every family to one league. 
Besides this, each contractor was entitled to a certain amount of Premium Lands 
for«very one hundred families that he introduced into the country. 

The grants from the Republic and State of Texas consist of Ileadright Grants, 
Bounty and Donation Claims, Land Script, Pre-emption Grants, Colony Certifi- 
cates, Special Grants, and for Railroad purposes. 

The Headrights are divided into first, second, third and fourth class. This 
division only shows the date of the issuance of the claim, and does not relate to 
the value-or classification of the land. 

The first class claims were issued to all persons who were resident citizens of 
Texas at the date of independence. These consisted of Certificates for One 
League and one Labor to all heads of families, and one-third op a League to 
all single men, except those that had received a grant under the laws of Coahuila 
and Texas. In that ease the heads of families who had received one League were 
entitled to an additional Labor, equal to one hundred and seventy-seven 
acres; the unmarried persons, who received one-fourth of a League, were enti- 
tled to an additional twelfth of a League, equal to three hundred and sixty- 
nine acres. 

The second class claims are those of emigrants that arrived after the Declaration 
of Independence and before the 1st of October, 1837. Heads of families were en- 
titled to certificates of one thousand two hundred and eighty acres, and single 
men to six hundred and forty acres, provided they remained in the country 
three year^. 

The third class claims are those issued to persons who emigrated to the Republic 
of Texas after the 1st of October, 1837, and previous to the 1st of January, 1840. 
Every head of a family was entitled to six hundred and forty acres of laud, and 
single men to three hundred and twenty acres, provided they remained in the 
country three j-ears. 

The fourth class claims are those that were issued to persons arriving after 
January 1, 1840, and previous to January 1, 1842, and were for the same quantity 
and on the same conditions as the third class Headrights. 

As regards the second, third and fourth class Headrights, conditional certificatea 
were originally granted to enable parties to locate their lands at an early date. 
These grants could not be sold or transferred, as they did not vest the titles to the 
lands to the different parties until the unconditional certificates were issued; which 
could only issue after full proof having been made of a strict compliance with the 
laws. After the issuance of these unconditional certificates, legal transfers could 
be made. 

Special Headrights are those that are issued to the heirs of those who fell with 
Fannin, Ward, Travis, Grant and Johnson. Maxried men, One League and OSA 
Labor; single men, one-third League. 



8 TITLES TO LANDS. 

Bounty claims were issued to all persons who served in the regular army during 
the war of Independence, on the following scale : three months' service, three 
HDXDRED AND TWENTY acres ; six months' service, six hundred and forty acres; 
nine months' service, nine hundred and sixty acres, and twelve months' service, 
ONE thousand TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY acrcs. These claims could be legally 
transferred before or after the issuance of the warrants. All the heirs of all those 
who died while performing military duty were entitled to six hundred and forty 
acres additional. Frontier Bounty claims of two hundred and forty acres each 
were issued to soldiers raised for the protection of the northern and western frontier. 
These claims could not be transferred until after the issuance of the warrants. 
Special Bounty claims of One League were issued as "a testimony of gratitude by 
the Republic" to those who were personally disabled by " the loss of eye, arm or 
limbs by wounds received in the service of Texas." 

Donation claims, each of 640 acres, were issued to those that participated in 
the battle of San Jacinto, the storming of Bexar, and those that fell under Travis, 
Ward, Bowie and Fannin. 

Pre-emption claims are lands granted on the condition that parties ACTUALLY 
SETTLE upon and CULTIVATE for three years a particular tract of land. 
These claims cannot be over three hundred and twenty acres each. 
^g^Immigrants ought to be very careful in purchasing lands of Pre-emptora 
before the Patents issue ; but after the issuance of the Patents this class of claims 
may be regarded as perfectly safe. 

Land Script — issued for three hundred and twenty acres and six hundred 
AND forty acres, for the support of the army and in redemption of the promissory 
notes of the Government. These could be transferred by simple endorsement. 

There have been four Colony Contracts entered into by the Republic of Texas, 
known as Fisher and Miller's Colony, Peters' Colony, Mercer's Colony, and 
Castro's Colony. In these married men were entitled to six hundred and forty 
acres; single men to three hundred and twenty acres. The contractors were 
also entitled to Premium Lands. 

Every county in the State is entitled to four Leagues of lands for educational 
purposes. Fifty Leagues have been granted for the establishment of universi- 
ties, and the different colleges in the State have been liberally endowed with 
lands. 

All Railroads have a grant of sixteen sections per mile, under certain restric- 
tions, — a quantity amply suflBcient to repay them hereafter for their entire cost. 

Certificates of Headrights, Bounty and Donation Warrants, and Land Script, 
are merely authority from the Government to the original grantees, or their 
assignees, to appropriate to their own use a certain quantum of the vacant public 
domain. This particular portion is pointed out by the owner of the Script, or his 
agent, to the Deputy Surveyor, who runs and marks the lines of the lands de- 
signated. The Deputy Surveyor makes his return to the District Surveyor, who 
examines the same and plats it on the District map. These field-notes, together 



PRE-EMPTION CLAIMS. 9 

with the original certifioatc and chain of transfers, arc then sent up to the General 
Land Office, whore they are properly filed, enveloped and endorsed, and then pass 
through a rigid examination ; and if, from all the data that is in possession of the 
Land Office, it is found that the certificate is a genuine one, issued in strict com- 
pliance with law — [in this duty the Commissioner of the General Land Office is as- 
sisted by the Commissioner of the Court of Claims] — also that the transfers are full, 
ample and complete, and the field-notes are not only correctly made out — closing 
properly — and that the area is correct, but they must be connected with some other 
known survej', and on being platted on the map must not conflict with any other 
survey, — then, and only then, will the Commissioner allow the patent to issue. 
These patents ought then to be recorded in the county wherein the land is 
situated. 

PRE-EMPTION CLAIMS. 

There is perhaps no point that the immigrant is more interested in, or on which 
he requires more reliable information, than that which relates to pre-emptions, be- 
cause the parties who are in general the purchasers of this class of claims are those 
who live too remote from the seat of Government to make the necessary examinations. 
One of the first inquiries that ought to be made is for the Patent for the laud, for if 
this has once issued and has been lost or mislaid, a certified copy thereof can be 
always obtained at a small expense, and it is an evidence that all the formalities of 
the law have been strictly complied with. Read attentivcl}' the letter of tl^e Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office, and you will see the risk that you run in pur- 
chasing titles to lauds before the issuance of the patent; for it ought to be borne in 
mind, that although any District Survej'or or his deputy can make survej's, and fur- 
nish the field-notes, without even infringing any laws, and at the same time honestly 
do his duty, yet it may be found hereafter impossible to obtain a patent, in 
consequence of neglect or cupidity or want of knowledge on the part of the appli- 
cant. It will be borne in mind that at the last session of the Legislature all laws 
granting pre-emption rights were repealed. 

Austin, January 8th, 1857. 
Dear Sin : — 

Many inquiries having been made to this Office by Surveyors and others relative 
to the character of proof required to obtain patents on surveys made for settlers 
within the " Reserve," under "An act to authorize the location and settlement of 
the Mississippi and Pacific Railroad Reserve," passed August 26th, 1856, the 
law not pointing out any mode by which the benefits of the act may be obtained, 
without prejudice to the interests of the State, and it being absolutely necessary 
that satisfactorj- evidence should be produced before a patent issues or a survey is 
made, and that the field-notes should show by what authority the survey was 
made, I have seen proper to give the following instructions upon the subject, 

1* 



10 PRE-EMPTION CLAIMS. 

that the mode may be uniform throughout the State, and that the applicant may 
not be subjected to the trouble and expense of making the same proof twice. 

That the applicant be required to make affidavit before the County Clerk, Chief 
Justice, or some Notary Public, supported by the testimony of two disinterested, 
respectable witnesses, known to the officer taking the proof, that HE OR SHE 
WAS BONA-FIDE SETTLED UPON VACANT LAND at the date of said act, 
August 26th, 1856, and has continued to reside upon the same from the time of 
such settlement to the date of the application ; which affidavit must be numbered 
and filed by the Surveyor, and recorded with the field-notes of the survey. The 
field-notes to describe the affidavit by number and date, so that they may be 
identified at this office, and the affidavit to be attached to- and returned with the 
field-notes, on or before the first day of January, 1858. 

The law requires that the surveys should be made in a square, provided the pre- 
vious survey made before the passage of the act incorporating said railroad will 
permit it ; if not, as nearly in a square as possible. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

S. Crosby, Commissioner. 

As there are so many persons interested in pi-e-emption claims, and as delay in 
issuance of the patents is caused by the want of proper information on the part 
not only of the applicants but of the officials, whose duty it is to attend to the mat- 
ter, we have obtained the following forms from the General Land Office, a proper 
attention to which on the part of the different County Clerks, and others interested, 
■will save much time and trouble. 

— -Hi^#'14€+»- — 

FORM OF PRE-EMPTION CERTIFICATE. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS, ] „„ „„„ 
COUNTY OF TRAVIS. J *■"*"■ ^""* 

I, Paul St. Clair, Clerk"! of the County Court of the county aforesaid, hereby 
certify that John James Smith and his assignee, Robert M. Elgin, have resided 
upon and cultivated the tract of laud, surveyed for the said John James Smith, 
as a Pre-emption claim, by Samuel Dart, Surveyor for Travis District, (or county,) 
on the 10th day of May, 1853, for the space of thi'ee consecutive years, and have 
fully complied with the provisions of "An Act granting to J. McLane upon pub- 
lic domain pre-emption privileges," approved January 22d, 1845. 

The above facts having been proved to me by the oaths of W. H. Thomas and 
W. S. Hotchkiss, two respectable witnesses to me well known. 

In testimony whereof, &o. 

Note. — When the applicant applied under the Act of 1854, the proof must bo 
made before the Chief Justice of the county, who must certify, in addition to 
■what is contained in the foregoing certificate, " that he or she is bona-fide settled 
upon vacant laud, that he or she was a resident citizen at the date of the Act of 
February 13th, 1855, and has not heretofore secured or appropriated any land 
under said Act." 



REDEMPTION OF LANDS SOLD FOR TAXES. 



11 



FORM OF REPORT. 

Report of Pre-emption Certificates issued by the County Clerk (or Chief Jus- 
tice, as the case may be) of Travis county, during the Quarter ending March 
25th, 1857. 



No. of 
Certific'ts 


Name of Grant 

for whom 
Sur. was made. 


Name of 
Assignee. 


Quantity 
of Land. 


Names of 
Witnesses. 


Date of 

Certificate. 


900 


Jno.Jas. Smith, 


Robt. M.Elgin, 


320 Acr. 


W.H.Thomas, Feb. 25,'57 










W.H.Houston 




901 


Jno. Jas Smith, 


F. W, Moore, 


160 " 


M. Harrison, 
A. Grooms, 


" 26,' 57 


902 g 


Reuben Black, 


T. D. Ormsby, 


275J " 


W.S.Hotchkis 
J. T. Shanks, 


« (( 


903 


P. St. Clair. 




200 " 


P. Shipley, 
J. M. Long. 


ti « 



THE STATE OF TEXAS, ") 
COUNTY OF TRAVIS, j 

I, Paul St. Clair, Clerk of the County Court (or Chief Justice, as the case may 
be) of said county, hereby certify that the above certificates, being four in 
number, were issued by me in accordance with the Act of February 7th, 1852, (or 
February 13th, 1854, as the case may be,) during the Quarter ending March 
2d, 1857. 

In testimony whei-eof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of the 
County Court, at Austin, on the 2d day of March, 1857. 

Note. — It is desirable that reports should be made to the 2d of March, 2d of 
June, 2d of September, 2d of December, of each year. 

Lax? authorizing the Redemption of Lands sold for Taxes. 

Wo would call the especial attention of all owners of land purchased by the 
State for taxes to the following act, passed at the session of the Legislature during 
the term of 1855 and 1850 just closed. 

AN ACT To restore Lands sold for Taxes and purchased by the State of Texas, 
to the former owners, on certain conditions. 

Section 1. — Be it enacted, by the Legislature of the State of Texas, that the 
former owner of Lands that have been sold for Taxes and purchased by the State 
shall have two years from and after the passage of this act to redeem the same, upon 
paying to the Assessor or Collector of Taxes of the County wherein the land is, all 
arrearages of Taxes unpaid, with fifty per cent, per annum on all Taxes that are 
or should be due on such lands had the former owner continued to own, and give io 
the same for Taxation, and a Fee of two dollars to the Assessor and Collector for 
his services. 

Section 2. — It shall be the duty of the Assessor and Collector to compare the 



12 FORM OF DEEDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

value of the Lands that have been sold for Taxes, and have remained unassessed for 
any number of years, in accordance with the value of Lands lying in the vicinity 
of such Lands so sold and purchased by the State. 

Section 3. — The Assessor and Collector shall make a separate quarterly return 
to the Comptroller, specifying the Lands redeemed as herein provided, and the 
amount of Taxes collected thereon, which Tax he shall pay into the Treasury, as 
required for the payment of other Taxes. The Certificate of the Assessor and 
Collector shall be sufficient evidence that the Lands have been redeemed and the 
former owner restored to all the rights he possessed in such land prior to the sale of 
the same for Taxes. Nothing in this Act shall be so construed as to prevent parties 
from paying the Taxes so due to the Comptroller, and this Act shall take effect and 
be in force from and after its passage. 



FORM OF DEEDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

The following is the form of a deed agreeably to the statute, and ought gene- 
rally to be followed ; although there is a provision that no instrument of writing 
shall be vitiated in consequence of a want of formality. 

As many instruments are insufilciently authenticated, thereby causing the record 
to be worthless, we herewith give the proper form of authenticating the same. 

Instruments of writing can be acknowledged or proved agreeably to the acts of 
May 12th, 18-16, and March 16th, 1848, before a Notary Public, a Clerk of the 
County Court, or his deputy, or the Chief Justice of any county. 

Without the State and within the limits of the United States they must bo 
acknowledged before some Commissioner appointed by the Governor of Texas to 
take acknowledgments for the State in which such acknowledgment may be taken, 
and be attested by his seal as such Commissioner. When taken before a Commissioner 
they will need no further authentication. The acknowledgment may, however, bo 
taken before the JUDGE— ^®~not the CLERK"@^ — of any court of record 
in the State where taken, and certified by him under the SEAL of the court, in 
which case the authority of the Judge to act as such •must be certified by the 
Secretary and be attested by the seal of the State. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS,] 
TRAVIS COUNTY. J 

Know all men, by this Public Instrument, made and entered into by and between 
Henry William Goodwin, of the county of Comal, in the State of Texas, of the first 
part, and Jacob De Cordova, of the county of Guadalupe, in the State of Texas, of 
the second part, witnesseth : That for and in consideration of the sum of one thou- 
sand seven hundred and fifty dollars in hand, paid by the party of the second part 
to the party of the first part, the receipt of which is hereby fully acknowledged and 
confessed, the party of the first part by this act has granted, bargained, sold, con- 
veyed and released, and doth hereby grant, bargain, sell, convey and release unto 



FORM OF DEEDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 13 

the said party of the second part, his heirs, assigns and legal representatives, the 
following described land and premises Ij'ing and being in the county of Travis, 
in the State of Texas, to wit : six hundred and forty acres of land, granted to 
Abraham Butler, as the assignee of Ferdinand Columbus, situated on the river 
Colorado, and known as Survey No. 89, (eighty-nine,) about eighteen miles N. W. 
from the city of Austin, as is evidenced by Letter Patent No. 327, recorded in 
Vol. No. 6 of Bounty Claims at the city of Austin, on the 19th day of April, A.D. 
1847, and which was transferred to me by the said Abraham Butler, by deed bear- 
ing date the i;Uh day of August, 1852, recorded in Vol. No. 5, pages 364 and 365, 
of the records of Travis county, which patent and deed is herewith delivered, and 
is declared part and parcel of this conveyance ; together with all and singular tho 
rights, members, improvements, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same be- 
longing, or in any wise incident or appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, 
rents, issues and profits thereof. To have and to hold all and singular tho premises 
and hereditaments above mentioned, and hereby and herein granted, with the ap- 
purtenances thereto belonging, to the party of the second part, his heirs and 
assigns, to the only proper use and behoof of the said party of the second part, his 
heirs and assigns, forever. And the said party of the first part, by this act, binds 
himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, to warrant, and forever defend, all 
and singular, tho said hereinbefore-described premises, unto the said party of tho 
second part, his heirs and assigns, against every person or persons whomsoever 
lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof.* In witness of all 
which, the party of the first part hereunto sets his hand and seal, (using scroll for 
seal,) at the city of Austin, this 6th day of June, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven. 

AVitness, _ 

Jeremiah Loveland, HENRY WILLIAM GOODWIN. ffHSJI 

IIezekiah Moreland. 

* The above is a Warrantee Deed. Should you wish to give only a Quit- 
Claim Deed, here insert the words " by, through or under the party of the first 
part," and then it becomes a quit-claim deed. 

FORM OF AUTHENTICATING THE ABOVE, BY THE GRANTOR APPEARING BEFORE A 
NOTARY PUBLIC, COUNTY CLERK, OR CHIEF JUSTICE. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS, ) -,„ ,0,0 
COUNTY OF TRAVIS, j *^«». *5»*y. 

Before me. P. De Cordova, Notary Public (or County Clerk, or Deputy County 

Clerk, or Chief Justice, as the case may be) in and for the county of Travis, 

in the State of Texas, duly commissioned and qualified, this day personally 

appeared Henry William Goodwin, of the county of Comal, to mo well known 

to be the individual who executed the above instrument of writing, bearing date 

the 6th day of June, 1857, and acknowledged the execution of the same; and that 

he delivered the same as his binding act and deed, for the purposes and consider- 



14 FORM OF DEEDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

ations therein mentioned and at length set forth. Given under my hand and ofS- 
cial seal, at my office in the city of Austin, this 2J:th day of September, A.D. eighteen 
hundred and nfty-seven. P. DE CORDOVA, 

Notary Public, Travis County. 

form op authexticating the above by one of the witnesses. 

THE STATE OF TEXAS, ) 
COUNTY OF TRAVIS. J 

Before me, P. De Cordova, Notary Public in and for the county of Travis, in the 
Btate of Texas, duly commissioned and qualified, this day personally appeared Je- 
remiah Loveland, of the county of Burnet, to me well known,* one of the sub- 
scribing witnesses to the above deed, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that 
Henry William Goodwin, whose name appears to the above deed, dated the 6th day 
of June, 1857, acknowledged, in his presence, that he subscribed, sealed and exe- 
cuted the same for the uses, purposes and considerations therein stated ; and that he, 
together with Hezekiah Moreland, signed the same as witnesses at the request of 
said Henry William Goodwin. Given under my hand and official seal, at my office 
in the city of Austin, this 24th day of September, Anno Domini one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty-seven. P. DE CORDOVA, 

Notary Public, Travis County. 

* If the party is not known, then it is the duty of the officer to require the pre- 
sence of some person that is well known to him, to vouch that the party appearing 
before him to be sworn is the identical party ; then the certificate should be altered 
to read as follows : — 

" To me made known to be the same person by Abraham Westmoreland, of 
Fairfield, county of Freestone, as a person of good repute." 

FORM OF authentication OF THE SIGNATURE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE. 



THE STATE OF TEXAS,) -,„ , q, « 
COUNTY OF TRAVIS. J ™°" ■^^*^- 



Before me, P. De Cordova, Notary Public in and for the county of Travis, in the 
State of Texas, duly commissioned and qualified, this day personally appeared 
Henry William Goodwin and Clementina Georgiana Goodwin, his wife, both to 
me well known to be the individuals who executed the above instrument of writ- 
ing, bearing date the 6th day of June, 1857, and acknowledged the execution 
of the same ; and that they delivered the same as their binding act and deed, for 
the purposes and considerations therein mentioned and at length set forth ; and the 
said Clementina Georgiana Goodwin, wife of the said Henry William Goodwin, 
having been examined by me privately and apart from her said husband, and 
having the deed fully explained to her, she, the said Clementina Georgiana Good- 
win, acknowledged the same to be her act and deed, and declared that she had 
willingly signed, sealed and delivered the same, and that she wished not to retract 



COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS FOR TEXAS. 15 

it. Given under mj- liand aud official seal, at the city of Austin, this 24th day of 
September, 1857. 

P. DE CORDOVA, 
Notary Ppblic, Travis County. 
To authenticate deeds out of the State, they must be acknowledged before some 
Commissioner appointed by the Governor of Texas to take acknowledgments for 
the State in which such acknowledgment is to be taken, and be attested by his 
seal as such Commissioner. If taken before a Commissioner it will need no further 
authentication. The acknowledgment may, however, be taken before the JUDGE 
_^^~not the CLERK"^^ of any court of record in the State where taken, and 
certified by him under the SEAL of the court, in which case the authority of the 
Judge to act as such must be certified by the Secretary and be attested by the seal 
of the State. 

COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS FOR TEXAS. 

LOUISIANA. James S. Gibbs Buffalo, 

Pierre Chas. CuvcUier New Orleans. Richard B. Kimball New York. 

D.J. Ricardo do KENTUCKY. 

John M. Landrum, Shreveport. James J. Dosier Louisville. 

Wm. M. Perkins New Orleans. Samuel Orborn do 

John P. Phillips do AVilliamB. Miirtin Bowling Green. 

Richard P. Harrison do NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Witter H. Peters do Charles Wm. Woodman Dover. 

Richard Brenan do FLORIDA. 

Robert Burns Logansport. Geo. Cowper Gibbs Jacksonville. 

Andrew W. Flower Mansfield. MAINE. 

George Rareshide New Orleans. James L. Child Augusta. 

William L. Poole do Henry Willis Portland. 

William Christy do OHIO. 

NEW YORK. Edward R. Newhall Cincinnati. 

Edmund Terry New York City. Edgar M. .lohnson do 

P W. Ostrander do Beuj. F. Brown do 

Wm. C. Betts do VIRGINIA. 

Archibald F. Cushman do James K. Lee Richmond. 

Frederick G. Burnham do J. Louis Kinzer Alexandria. 

Montgomery Gibbs do IIenr3' G. Cannon Richmond. 

Edwin F. Cory do Rice W. Payne Warrenton. 

Sylvester Lay do Wm. A. Stephens Chaucellorsville. 

Joseph B. Nones do Alouzo Loving Wheeling. 

Redtbrd A. AV'atkinson do Francis V. Sutton Richmond. 

Charles McKinstry do GEORGIA. 

Louis N. Glover do Samuel Yates Levy Savannah. 

Joseph C. Lawrence do Wm. II. Manning TelfairCo. 

N. William Busteed do Nathan L. Hutchins Lawrenceville. 

James W.IL.11 do WISCONSIN. 

John Hopper do John C. Starkweather Milwaukie. 

A. D. W. Baldwin do SOUTH CAROLINA. 

James Leconcy do Samuel J. Hall Charleston. 

Jeremiah E. Cury do Clayton L. Clarke.. ..Limestone Springs. 

Henry C. Banks do James U. Taylor Charleston. 

James Ward Smyth do 



16 LIMITATION OF SUITS FOR REAL ESTATE. 

MISSISSIPPL MASSACHUSETTS. 

J. R. Strother Vicksburg. Charles B. F. Adams Boston. 

Robert B. Mages Yazoo City. George T. Angell do. 

Daniel Williams Columbus. MARYLAND. 

Charles A. Brougher Ripley. E. R. Sprague Baltimore. 

Lazarus Liudsey Vicksburg. ALABAMA. 

Wm. H.Brown Jackson. James V. A.Hinds Huntsville. 

PENNSYLVANIA. ILLINOIS. 

Arthur M. Burton Philadelphia. William C. Starkey Waterloo. 

Charles R.Hawes do Lamberton C. Hall Chicago. 

E. MorrisonWoodward do MISSOURL 

James Todd do Wm. J. Freeland Paris, Monroe Co. 

Joshua G. Brinckle do NORTH CAROLINA. 

HughW. Teuer do Benjamin F. Simmons Halifax, 

Henry McCrea do Ouenton Bnsbee Raleigh. 

Leonard Myers do Kosciusko Morgan. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. TENNESSEE. 

Charles C. Tucker Washington City. John B. Steele.. .Shelbyville, Bedford Co. 

Nicholas CoUan do Alexander AV. Campbell Jackson. 

Wm. Probj'n Williams do Thomas Boyers Gallatin. 

Thomas B. King do Jonathan S. Dawson Paris. 

Anthony Hyde Georgetown. Hume F. Hill Memphis. 

CALIFORNIA. VERMONT. 

Joseph Grant San Francisco. R. W. Clarke Brattleboro. 

Andrew Williams do CONNECTICUT. 

Louis Warrington Sloat do Edward Goodman Hartford. 

Joseph A. Nunes do INDIANA. 

Richard H. Stanley Sacramento City. Salmon A. Buell Indianapolis. 

NEW JERSEY. ARKANSAS. 

James M. Cassady Camden. John Carnall Fort Smith. 

Moses R. King Newark. 



Jf-®#€^ 



LIMITATION OF SUITS FOR REAL ESTATE. 

By the statute laws of Texas, "every suit, to be instituted to recover real estate, 
as against him, her or them in possession under title, or color of title, shall be in- 
stituted within three years next after the cause of action shall have occurred, and 
not afterwards. By the term title, as used in this section, is meant a regular 
chain of transfer from or under the sovereignty of the soil ; and color of title is 
constituted by a consecutive chain of such transfer down to him, her or them in 
possession without being regular; as if one or more of the memorials or muni- 
ments be not registered, or not duly registered, or be only in writing, or such like 
defect as may not extend to or include the want of intrinsic fairness and honesty ; 
or when the party in possession shall hold the same by a certificate of headright, 
land warrant or land script, with a chain of tranfer down to him, her or them in 
possession." Hartley's Digest, Art. 2891. 

" He, she or they who shall have had five years' like peaceable possession of real 
estate, cultivating, using or enjoying the same and paying tax thereon, if any, and 
claiming under a deed, or deeds, duly registered, shall be held to have full title, 
precluding all claims, but shall not bar the government." 

Hartley's Digest, Art. 2392. ■ 



TEXAS LAND MEASURE. 



17 



" Ten years of such peaceable possession and cultivation, use or enjoyment thereof, 
Tvithout any evidence of title, shall give to such naked possessor full propcrtj', pre- 
clusive of all other claims, in and to six hundred and forty acres of land, including 
his, her or their improvement." Hautley's Digest, Art. 2393. 

In each of the above sections, there is saved to the person or persons having the 
title and cause of action the duration of disability to one from non-age, covortu 
or insanity. 

— -*i-M'W$^ i^- — 



TEXAS LAND MEASURE. 

In all first class Headright Patents issued by the Spanish, Mexican and Texian 
Governments, the quantity of acres is expressed in leagues, labors and varas. It is 
therefore necessary to make the following explanation. 

1 vara is 33 J inches. 

1 acre is 5646 square varas, which is equal to 4S40 square yards, or 58,080 square 
inches. 

1 labor is 1,000,000 square varas, equal to 177 acres. 

i league is 8,333,333 square varas, equal to 1470 acres. 

1 league is 25,000,000 square varas, equal to 4428 acres. 

1 league and 1 Labor is 26,000,000 square varas, equal to 4605 acres. 

To find the quantity of acres in a given number of square varas, divide by 5646. 

In the above as well as the following table we entirely reject all fractions. 

TABLE 

showing the number of square varas and varas square contained in the following 
tracts of land, and the number of rails it will require to fence in a given 
quantity of land in a square. This calculation is based upon the fact that 22 
rails 8 feet long will fence four and a third varas of land, which is equal to 4 
running yards. This will make a good fence 8 rails high, staked and ridered. 
^^~ A vara is 33 J inches. In the following table we omit fractions. 



Acres. 



Square 
Varas. 



^'aras 
Square. 



No. of 
Rails. 



Acres. 



Square 
Varas. 



Varas 
Square. 



No. of 
Rails. 



I 


6,646 


75 


1,540 


100 


564,600 


752 


15,290 


5 


28,230 


168 


3,390 


110 


621,000 


789 


16,060 


10 


56,460 


237 


4,820 


120 


677,520 


823 


16,764 


20 


112,920 


336 


6,842 


130 


733,980 


856 


17,380 


30 


169,380 


411 


8,382 


140 


790,440 


888 


18,106 


40 


225,840 


477 


9,680 


150 


846,900 


920 


18,744 


60 


282,300 


630 


10,824 


160 


90.3,360 


950 


19,360 


60 


338,760 


682 


11,836 


170 


959,820 


979 


19,998 


70 


396,220 


628 


12,804 


180 


1,015,280 


1,007 


20,526 


80 


451,680 


672 


13,684 


200 


1,129,200 


1,053 


21,63 


90 


508,140 


720 


14,620 


210 


1,185,660 


1,085 


22,176 



18 INFORMATION FOR THE HEIRS OF SOLDIERS. 





Square 


Taras 


No. of 




Square 


Varas 


No of 


Acres. 


Varas. 


Square. 


Rails. 


Acres. 


Varas. 


Square. 


Rails. 


220 


1,242,120 


1,114 


22,688 


800 


4,516,800 


2.106 


43,260 


230 


1,298,460 


1,131 


23,210 


880 


4,968,480 


2,228 


45,376 


240 


1,355,040 


1,164 


23,760 


960 


5,420,160 


2,328 


47,520 


250 


1,411,500 


1,180 


24,200 


1000 


5,646,000 


2,360 


48,400 


280 


1,580,880 


1,257 


25,608 


1120 


6,323,620 


2,514 


51,216 


320 


1,806,720 


1,344 


27,368 


1280 


7,226,880 


2,688 


54,692 


360 


2,032,560 


1,440 


29,040 


1476 


8,333,333 


2,888 


58,806 


400 


2,258,400 


1,614 


30,580 


1600 


9,033,600 


3,028 


61,160 


440 


2,484,240 


1,578 


32,120 


1720 


9,926,960 


3.156 


64,200 


480 


2,710,080 


1,646 


33,328 


1920 


10,840,320 


3,292 


66,655 


620 


2,935,920 


1,712 


34,760 


2240 


12,647,040 


3,552 


72,524 


660 


3,161,760 


1,776 


36,212 


2560 


14,453,760 


3.800 


77,420 


600 


3,387,600 


1,840 


37,488 


3200 


16,067,200 


4,212 


86,520 


640 


3,613,440 


1,900 


38,720 


4428 


25,000,000 


5,000 


101,772 


720 


4,061,120 


2,014 


41,052 


4605 


26,000,000 


5,099 


103,862 



Information for the heirs of those Soldiers who fell during- our 
Revolution. 

During the struggle of Texas for her independence, a large number of volun- 
teers came to Texas from almost every State in the Union to assist her in fighting 
her battles. Many of these gallant men fell under Travis, Ward, Fannin, &c. 

By the laws of Texas the heirs of these brave soldiers are entitled to the follow- 
ing land : 

IF SINGLE MEN, 
1476 acres as a Headright, 1920 acres as a Bounty Warrant, 

640 acres as a Donation Warrant : making a total of 4036 acres. 

IF MARRIED MEN, 
4605 acres as a Headright, 1920 acres as a Bounty AVarrant, 

640 acres as a Donation Warrant: making a total of 7165 acres. 
Many of the heirs have not claimed their dues. Parties whose sons, fathers or 
brothers fell fighting for Texas, by adckessing P. De Cordova, Texas Land and 
General Agent, stating all particulars in their power, will be placed in a situation 
to obtain their lands, which, from the immense immigration now pouring into Texas, 
will, in a few years, be sure to be a fortune. 

At the time of the passage of the various acts by the Congress of the late Repub- 
lic of Texas, granting donation, headright and bounty lands to soldiers in the Tex- 
ian War of Independence, the rights of heirship, and the distribution of the intes- 
tates' estates, were governed by the laws of Spain; but "all proceedings" in rela- 
tion to such estates were regulated by the laws of Louisiana. 

Under the Spanish law, relatives entitled to inherit are divided into three classes. 



INFORMATION FOR THE HEIRS OF SOLDIERS. 19 

to wit, descendants, ascendants and collaterals, who are preferred in their 
order. 

1. Descendants hold the first place, without regard to sex, — children first, and in 
their default grandchildren. Grandchildren of deceased parents inherit in right of 
their deceased father and mother, in connection with their uncles and aunts. 

2. In default of descendants, ascendants inherit, — parents, grandparents, &c. 

3. If there be neither descendants nor ascendants, collaterals succeed in the fol- 
lowing order: — 1st, Brothers and sisters; 2d, Nephews and nieces, who also inherit, 
with their uncles and aunts, in right of deceased parents ; 3d, After which the estate 
goes to the nearest of kin, according to the degrees of the civil law, to the tenth 
degree ; and, in the absence of relations within that degree, the wife, if there be one, 
is entitled to the entire estate. 

The courts of Texas are inclined to treat the lands granted to deceased soldiers 
as community propert}', where the deceased left a widow, and in such case the widow 
is entitled to one-half of the land, not by inheritance, but as the survivor of her de- 
ceased husband. 

The Power of Attorney must be executed by the heirs claiming the estate. In 
filling the same the party will state in what right he claims, whether as a child, 
grandchild, parent, grandparent, brother or sister, nephew or niece, &c., &c., of 
the deceased soldier. 

The Power of Attorney must be acknowledged before some Commissioner ap- 
pointed by the Governor of Texas to take acknowledgments for the State in which 
such acknowledgment may be taken, and be attested by his seal as such Commis- 
sioner. Taken before a Commissioner it will need no further authentication. The 
acknowledgment may, however, be taken before the JUDGE j^-not the 
t'LERK "^^Sj. of any court of record in the State where taken, and certified by 
hira uuder the SEAL of the court, in which case the authority of the Judge to act 
as such must be certified by the Secretary and be attested by the seal of the State. 

Proof of the heirship of the party claiming, and his relationship to the deceased, 
must bo made bj' at least two credible witnesses, who will take and subscribe the 
oath the form of which accompanies the Power of Attorney. In all cases the actual 
residence of the party must be inserted. In all cases where others than descendants 
claim, the afiidavit must state that the applicant is the nearest living relative of the 
deceased. 

In all cases the applicant must prove that he is entitled to the estate claimed, 
under the rules of descent and distribution as above stated. 

If the claim is made by the widow for half the land as survivor of her husband, 
the affidavit must state that she is such widow and survivor, and that she was the 
wife of the deceased, to the knowledge of affiant, or was generally reputed as such. 
If record evidence of the marriage exists, an authenticated copj' should be obtained 
and forwarded. If the widow has again married, her present husband must join 
in the Power of Attorney. 

The proof may be taken before and certified by a Commissioner for this State 
without further authentication. It may also be taken before and certified by any 



20 TO IMMIGKANTS. 

officer of the State where taken, who is authorized to administer oaths ; but the au- 
thority of such officer must be authenticated by the certificate and seal of the 
Secretary of State. 



TO IIYIMIGRANTS. 

As the large number of tracts of land situated in various parts of our fertile State 
that have been intrusted to us for sale preclude the use of the ordinary newspapers 
as a means of bringing them to the notice of intending purchasers, we have adopted 
the plan of issuing a Quarterly Register, in which will be enumerated the dififerent 
tracts under our control. 

The experience of our firm in land-locating is so well known as to have 
become almost national. 

Parties desirous of securing homes are invited to call at either of our offices, and 
all the information in our power will promptly be afforded them. 

Our senior partner has been for over ten years in the business, during which time 
he has probably travelled more through Texas than any other individual in the 
State. A great many of the tracts offered for sale are locations made by ourselves, 
after a thorough examination of the locality, and parties may rest assured that, while 
the lands are of good quality, embracing wood, water and other desiderata, the 
titles will be beyond dispute, and tlie terms such as to suit the circumstances of 
most individuals seeking new homes. 

Our local agents will be found gentlemen of information and integrity, who 
will promptly give every information in their power, not only of the tracts in- 
trusted to them for sale, but as regards the country generally. 

Texas possesses more advantages, and ofiers greater inducements to the indus- 
trious settler, than any other State in the Union. One fact may be stated, 
which, however wonderful it may appear, is susceptible of every proof: a cow 
CAN BE RAISED IN Texas AT LESS COST THAN A CHICKEN in any other place in 
the United States. Another fact may be stated, which is, that more children 
are born in Texas, in proportion to the population, than elsewhere, and more in 
proportion are raised to adolescence. The mortality among children is very light. 

The products of Texas are more varied than those of other States. In many por- 
tions may be seen, growing side by side, wheat, corn, cotton, rye, oats and tobacco, 
all yielding equally well. 

Experiments have been made within the last two j'ears, which prove that sea-is- 
land cotton can be grown profitably as high up as Gonzales, ou the Guadalupe River. 

Some attention has been paid to the culture of the grape, and the time is not 
far distant when Texas wine will be an article of export, and much sought after 
in the North. 

Our sugar-lands have no equal out of the tropics, cane having at least six weeks 
longer to mature than in Louisiana, and the cotton of Texas now commands a 
larger price than that of any other State in the Union. 



A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 21 

Manj' tracts of land that wc have for sale have fine ■watcr-privilcj^cs, and are in 
regions of country where mills and manufactures would be profitable. 

To Farmers and Mechanics that are industrious, we say, if you wish to better 
your condition, and live in a country where all who work are liberally rewarded, 
where lands that are now cheap will be worth fortunes in a few j'ears, if not for 
yourselves, for your children, come to Texas; come early; delay not. 

Taxation is light, the debt of the old Republic being provided for. Our School 
Fund is large: besides an appropriation by the last Legislature of two millions of 5 
percent. United States bonds, the Constitution set apart 10 per cent, of the annual 
taxation for that purpose. It is confidently believed that, in less than five years, 
Te.xas will mature the best system of free education yet developed. Education 
■will be in the reach of every child in the State. 

The medical profession being amply represented, there is no difficulty in having 
their attention when required ; but, to use their own language, Texas generally 
is distressingly healthy. 

H^#®<^^K»^- 

A Word of Advice to Persons Emigrating to Texas. 

AYe daily receive letters of inquiry from strangers wishing information prepa- 
ratory to their removal to Texas. The answering such letters in the manner we 
should wish absorbs much time and requires great labor. We have therefore de- 
termined to prepare an article for our book which will give our views fully on 
this all-important subject. In doing this, we shall confine ourselves strictly to 
facts. Let those who will paint Texas as an earthly paradise ; we have no idea of 
giving a false coloring to our State. It is not a paradise, but it is a country where 
the poor man can easily obtain land, and when he has it he can always turn it 
to good account in the support of his family. 

In this article we do not intend to give advice to men of wealth or those who 
have a large force at their command, and who therefore are satisfied with nothing 
short of becoming Sugar or Cottox Plaxtehs, for they will come fully prepared 
to carry out their own schemes. They will look out for improved places, and will 
consequently bend their steps to the thickly-settled portion of the country, and 
seek their plantations in the rich cotton-lands of Old Caney, the Brazos, Colorado 
Guadalupe or Lavaca Rivers. But it is our intention to address ourselves to 
the poor man and the man of moderate means, who wishes to become a Farmer 
and Stock-Raiser. 

The immigrants from the older States with a limited capital, upon their arrival 
in a new countrj', are often undecided in what manner they can invest their little 
means to make it remunerative in a short time. They are naturall}- anxious to be- 
come independent; and many of them rush headlong into extensive land-specula- 
tions, which sometimes prove disastrous, because they have not made judicious 
selections, have too soon locked up their capital, and are forced to realize perhaps 
at a moment when there are no land-buyers in the market. Anxiety of mind per- 



22 A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 

Bonal inconvenience, and perliaps ruin, are the results. Instead of this, it is clearly 
to their interest to settle down and become good substantial farmers. Before pro- 
ceeding further, we would seriously impress upon the minds of all, that although 
our State presents great attractions to those who immigrate with an intention to 
make a proper use of their energies, — although Texas is the finest State in the 
Union, and may be literally regarded as a "land flowing with milk and honey," — 
it is necessary to first milk the cows and gather the honey, before they can 
enjoy either the one or the other, for neither of them can be obtained without the 
aid of labor. Therefore, those who arrive here under an impression that they are 
to realize a fortune without working will soon find out that Texas is not the 
country that they supposed it to be. 

It is true that.we have within our limits millions of acres of as rich land as can 
be found in the world, — the Delta of the Nile not excepted, — which require but 
a small share of the labor that they usually bestow upon the half worn-out lands 
in the older States, to yield a rich return. Besides this, they will find a market at 
their own door for every article they can raise, at remunerative prices, and for 
which they can always depend upon receiving the cash on the delivery of the 
produce of their farms. 

So great is the fertility of our soil, that we can produce, year after year, upon 
the SAME LAND, the SAME CROPS, without the aid of any manure. But to this 
improvident mode of farming it is not necessary to resort, as the list of articles 
that can be profitably cultivated in our State is much larger and more varied than 
that of any of our sister States. In addition to the great staples of Sugar, Cot- 
ton and Tobacco, we raise the finest crops of Corn, Wheat, Oats, Rye, Peas, 
Beans and Pumpkins, together with the whole family of garden vegetables in perfec- 
tion J and the day is not far distant when we will be able to add to our already 
large list of varied productions. Indigo, Castor-Oil and Hemp, and — what will be 
of more importance as regards pecuniary value — Wine and Peach-Brandj^ of the 
very best qualities, as our hill-sides are admirably calculated for the cultivation 
of the Vine, and even now wine is made from the native grape which closely 
resembles the Catalonia wine, — which is extensively used in the manufacture of 
Port wine. The settlement of a few hundred vine-dressers in our mountainous 
districts would only be the forerunner of that class of population, for their success 
would be so great that thousands of their countrymen would flock to a region 
where they would be certain of realizing comparative wealth in a short time. All 
that this branch of business requires is, that it should be commenced by some one 
person of enterprise and means. It would not require any thing more than 
diligence and perseverance to place this branch of industry foremost in the 
ranks of Texian productions in point of value, to say nothing of the large quan- 
tities of Brandy, pure Brandy, that could be distilled out of the poorer class of wines. 
Those who emigrate from the New England States had better make choice of 
the sailing-vessels which leave Boston, New York and Philadelphia, (see Adver- 
tisement for the necessary information ;) but those who wish to emigrate from the 



A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 23 

Western or Southern States, as a. general thinj,', bad better come on by land, using 
their own wagons and teams. Our advice is, bring no iXFKniOR articdes of any 
kind. Your wagons, horses, mules, &c. ought to be of the very best quality ; and 
then if you have, on your arrival, more than you want, you can readily find a 
market for the surplus. 

Do not be deceived in supposing that you are coming to a country where there 
is an everlasting spring or summer : our winters are cold enough to require 
your warm clothing, blankets and comforters; and, while packing these, do not 
forget to put up carefully a small but choice librarj', — and above all your family 
Bible; for you will soon learn the advantage of your having paid particular at- 
tention to these instructions. 

Bring no notes of your own local Banks. I am aware that, at home, with 
you, they are fully equivalent to gold and silver, but here j^ou will find a diflfieulty 
in passing ofif at par Alabama, Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, or in fact any, bank-notes, 
except those of the City of New Orleans or New York. For small amounts, gold 
is the best for your purposes ; the next best is Certificates of Deposit of known 
solvent Banks of New York and New Orleans, in small sums, say from $50 to $500 
each. The next best is checks of j'our local Banks, on the City Banks of New 
Orleans and New York, of the above amounts ; for your better security let them 
be always made payable to your own order. 

The most suitable points to which to direct your footsteps are the upper waters 
of the Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe or Red River, where the country is rolling, 
the water pure, the lands rich, the atmosphere salubrious and invigorating, the hills 
affording a fine range for cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, with plenty of excellent 
buildiug-stone. This is no exaggerated or over-drawn picture of that region 
of country, but a truthful description of it, which will be borne out by every immi- 
grant that may hereafter visit that region of country. 

Select a body of land yourself, after thoroughly examining it, such as will suit 
your own views. Do not purchase too large a tract of land, for this is the rock 
that many emigrants split upon. For a man of small means, 160 acres will be 
quite enough, although where a man has the actual capital to invest, without 
crippling his farming-operations, he may purchase 320 or 640 acres ; but rarely is 
it advisable to take overl2S0 acres. 

Much of this land can be purchased at from $1.50 to $2.50 per acre, although 
choice tracts are held as high as from $5 to $8 per acre, according to their locality,- 
Ac. By paying one-third cash, a credit of from one to two years, and in some cases 
three years, can be obtained, by giving security on the land and paying the interest 
at the rate of ten per cent, per annum. 

After you have selected a tract of land, let .your energies be directed to make 
your family comfortable by providing a proper shelter for them, for, if you do not, 
the females of your household will be the sufferers; sickness may follow, and thus 
calamity reach you upon the outset. This will prove but too true, unless men, on 
their first arrival in Texas, are considerate enough to shield the female portion of 



24 A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 

their family as much as may be in their power from the trials and privations 
that are always attendant on making a settlement in a new country, especially 
during the first year; for be it known that, notwithstanding the beautiful pictures 
that are sometimes drawn by speculators of the delights of a home in the Far West, 
•we know from experience that it is no light task to win a home from the wilderness 
in any country, even if it boasts of the finest quality of rich prairie-lands. You 
may rest assured that it is attended with a great deal of hard labor and fatigue, 
and in these cases no one suffers more than the female emigrant, especially if she 
has been tenderly brought up, for those who have been unaccustomed to labor in the 
home of their childhood will find it a hard matter to commence on their arrival 
in a new country. 

We hoive large quantities of land for sale in various parts of the State of Texas ; 
. part are our own, and the balance belongs to our constituents : this you will 
see by referring to the Advertisement. Yet we do not wish to induce any 
one to esiigrate to Texas without being made fully acquainted with both sides of 
the picture, for it is too customary to present only the bright side, which always 
leads to disappointment and vexation. 

To the hardy and industrious Farjier we say that Texas offers very great in- 
ducements, — inducements far superior to those presented by any other State in the 
Union. Thousands and tens of thousands of you may come on. There is plenty 
of room, and, with but a moderate share of industry, you must do well. 

The area of Texas is 175,594,560 acres of land. Within such an extensive region of 
country, which is greater than all the New England States combined, there will 
be found lands of every conceivable quality and description, and covei'ing so 
many degrees of latitude, that, were we to attempt to give a list of every arti- 
cle our State can produce, it would appear to those who have not thoroughly 
examined the vast resources of our country, to be a thing almost impossible that 
the productions of a single State should be so varied and important. 

We have heard of parties who have broken up our prairie-lands with two yoke 
of steers, — nay, a single team of horses ; and although this, to our knowledge, is 
a fact in some few spots, yet we say that those who assert this as a general rule 
are very much mistaken in their calculations, for as a general thing our lands 
require a team of at least four yoke of oxen, which, with a plough that will cut 
fourteen inches, will break up efficiently an acre and a half a day. This work 
ought to be done in the months of May, June, July and August if possible, so 
that the heavy coating of grass with which our prairies are covered may be . 
properly rotted in the spring. 

This land ought to remain in the condition in which the plough leaves it until 
the end of February or beginning of March, the season when we commence active 
farming-operations. Then this land ought to be cross-ploughed, and a heavy iron- 
toothed harrow passed over it both waj's; drill in your corn in rows five feet apart, — • 
not less, because the growth of our corn is far more luxuriant than it is in the 
North or Western States; plant deeply and cover well, — a very important point; 



A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 25 

give it two ploughings and one hoeing, and you can safely calculate on an im- 
mense yield. The next year, especially if you use the sub-soil plough, your yield 
will bo very much greater than the first. 

AVith only an ordinary share of cultivation, our lands will yield from 500 to 750 
lbs. of clean cotton, the quality of which for heavy fabrics is far superior to any 
other cotton grown in the neighboring States, and if properly handled will com- 
mand an advance of from ^ to 1 cent per pound more in the European market. 

The yield of millet is very heavy : so productive has this cereal been found, 
that in many regions of the country it nearly supersedes the use of fodder. Rye, 
oats and barley, wherever they have been tried, do well. The sweet potato in point 
of yield and quality will successfully rival those of the Carolinas. 

The average increase of Black Cattle is about SO per cent, per annum. We hare 
no barren cows in Texas. Sheep do well in the upper portion of the State ,* and, 
from the immense increase of the hog, the rearing of them in such regions of tho 
country as tho Yegua and the Cross-Timbers may be regarded as a perfect gold-mine. 

Of pumpkins and squashes, their size and quality would make the hearts of even 
the thrifty housewives of New England rejoice. If you will only plant them, there 
is no danger but you will have an adequate supply for your Thanksgiving dinner. 

One very great advantage that our soil has over that of every other State is, 
that the more you cultivate it the more it yields ; it never tires. This is to be attri- 
buted to its becoming pulverized, and the increased depth to which it is broken, 
for be it known that the plough cannot be put in too deep : the deeper the better. 

As a farming and grazing country, we can safely say, that if it can bo equalled, 
it cannot be surpassed, by any portion of the known world. 

To tho professional man we say that neither Doctors nor Lawyers are 
wanted. We have already a sufficient stock in our market ; and, were it not that 
some of them have been wise enough to turn their attention to farming and stock- 
raising, a largo number would starve, for there is not business enough in oul 
country to support them. 

To Mechanics, who thoroughly understand their business, and arc of thoso 
trades that the wants of a new country require, we say come on ; you will do 
well. 

As regards Merchants and Clerks, there are openings left for those who aro 
ready and willing to devote their time and attention to business. But of this 
class our country cannot bear a large stock. 

To Teachers, both male and female, who are competent to teach what they 
profess, there are many openings. Texians are alive to the advantages of educa- 
tion, as is fully evidenced by her liberal appropriations of Public Lands for Com- 
mon Schools, Universities and Colleges. Texas, as yet, does not require many 
professors ; what she wants is a body of intelligent teachers who arc able and will- 
ing to impart the rudiments of a plain English education to the rising generation. 

Tolhow in what high estimation the advantages of education are held in oui 
State, by a wise provision, one-tenth of the gross revenue of the State is sacredly 

2 



26 A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 

dedicated to that purpose, and there have been grants ah-eady made for educa- 
tional purposes of 1,964,043 acres, and as each new county is created it receives 
four leagues of land for that purpose, equal to 17,712 acres. 

To Politicians we say, remain where you are ; we have no room for you. 

To the industrious man we say that his removal to Texas will he a blessing. 
Our lands arc cheap, yielding abundantly for the labor bestowed. In the upper 
portion of our country the climate is delightful and healthy, the water wholesome, 
and every means at hand adapted to his purposes. 

There is, besides all this, no occasion to feed our stock-cattle through the 
winter, and even our work-oxen can provide themselves with food and keep 
in good condition on the prairies nine months in the year, without being fed with 
a single ear of corn ; and although there are many persons — I will not call 
them farmers — that brag they do not feed their oxen even during the remaining 
three months, yet such a course ought to be condemned as being improvident. 
With this fact every practical farmer will be soon acquainted, as they will readily 
find the difference when they are carrying on their spring work. 

Did our space permit, we might continue this article to a much greater length ; 
but before we conclude we must seriously advise those who own small patches of 
land, or are living on rented lands, to immediately prepare and remove to Texas, 
and at once supply themselves with comfortable homes, for we can supply hun- 
dreds of thousands with good, rich lands. Besides, should any thing turn up 
that they should wish to return to their native State after two or three years' 
residence in Texas, they wiU certainly be able to realize a handsome sum for their 
improvements. 

Although in the upper portion of Texas you can scarcely find any but a healthy 
location, yet we would impress the following remarks upon the minds of all who 
may emigrate to Texas. 

Seek a healthy place ABOVE ALL THINGS. If you settle in timber-land, 
get a dry spot and let the sun shine on you : don't cut down every shade-tree, 
though. Keep away from marshes and ponds where the water is stagnant. The 
clear streams are not so unwholesome; yet it is best not to-be too near them. Do 
not build on a high sjjot amidst low lands, thinking to be safe thus. Experience 
proves that in most localities throughout this country, elevated places thus sur- 
rounded are unhealthy, — especially if on the east side of the low land; the miasma 
seems to rise and hang around the hills. If you build a log house, peel the logs, 
hew them, and chink up snugly, raise the floor high from the ground, and thus 
secure warmth and dryness and avoid the dirt and dampness of unhewn logs. If 
a framed house, make a good cellar if possible, line with side-boards under your 
clap-boards, or fill in your walls with brick, — something, in short, to make your 
home more comfortable than the balloon houses in which so many roast in summer 
and freeze in winter. I have seen several gravel wall or concrete houses, built in 
octagon form, substantial and convenient, as well as cheap. Brick and stone can 
often be had. 



A WORD OF ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS TO TEXAS. 27 

If you are on the prairie, plant locust-trees on the north and west of your 
dwelling, to grow fast and give you shado and protection from the winds; 
meanwhile let the orchard be growing in the same direction, to take the place 
of the locusts in a few years, and furnish their invaluable fruit. In breaking up 
new land, build on the west or southwest side of the farm. The most prevalent 
summer winds are from those directions, carrying the miasma from the decompo- 
sing vegetable matter in the soil newly turned up cast and north. Living on tho 
opposite side, you escape. For the same reason avoid the cast side of a marsh or 
creek : this should bo remembered. If settling on the prairie, keep away from 
the groves or islands of timber, where the trees are large, undergrowth heavy and 
ground low and damp. Many early settlers sufiered from living on the verge of 
such, tempted by the shade and shelter. It is healthier to go out on the open 
prairie and plant trees around you, where the pure fresh breeze invigorates. 
Groves on high ground, with trees less dense, are healthy and pleasant. 

Good water is of great importance. Of course, any man of common sense would 
seek a good spring or stream, if possible. In forests and openings these are more 
common than on the prairies. Clear, cold water can usually bo had, even on tho 
wide prairies, by digging for it. Those who are prudent enough to avoid drinking 
creek and branch water sometimes scoop out shallow wells a dozen feet deep 
or less, and drink the water draining through from the surface, full of vegetable 
impurities ; while there are others that content themselves with making a hole 
near some " slough" and using the poor water thus easily obtained. Of course they 
suffer from sickness. What else could be expected ? The proper way is to dig 
good deep wells and obtain good pure water for family use. Creek and branch 
waters answer well enough for stock, but not for the family. 

Avoid overtasking your strength, especially when exposed to tho hot sun. A few 
minutes often open the way for long wasting sickness. Avoid reckless exposure 
to cold wind, wet, or damp night air. Errors in diet are the cause of much sick- 
ness charged to the climate. Northern people, especially when first settling, eat 
fewer vegetables, less fruit and more meat than they do in the old States, and use 
far too much coffee. Let a good vegetable-garden be the first thing, stocked with 
a wholesome variety. Buy fruit, green or dried, until you can raise it. You will 
find our timbered lUnd well supplied with berries. These cost no more than many 
other articles of food, daily purchased without thought of their expense, — often less 
than that of meat. Use these as you have been accustomed to do ; more would fre- 
quently be a benefit. Beware of the excessive use of meat in summer; fat and 
salted meat and strong coffee clog and stimulate the system, aggravate the 
bilious tendencies of the climate, bring on fever and the terrible shaking ague. 
Fat bacon can bo better eaton in. a cold than warm climate: witness the Esquimaux 
delighting in whale-blubber and tallow. Our advice to the Northern emigrant would 
be, always have vegetables and fruit in plenty; when the heat of summer comes 
on, eat meat moderateh*, particularly fat bacon ; as winter draws near, use more if 
you wish. Better use water and milk for drinks; but, if you must have something 



28 ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS— WORTH KNOWING. 

else, do be moderate about coffee and tea, especially rank, muddy coffee without 
sugar or milk to qualify it. If you must needs use coffee, see that it is well chared, 
and use a goodly quantity of milk in it, together with a little sugar. 

Observation and the experience of intelligent families fully convince us of the ' 
great importance of this matter; and we doubt not a decrease of meat-eating, more 
especially in hot weather, and a more liberal use of nutritious vegetables and fruit, 
would end a large proportion of sickness among the newly-arrived emigrants. Let 
every would-be emigrant aim to provide something for his family, at least through 
the hot season, besides the everlasting fat pork, greasy gravy, and muddy coffee. 
As for whiskey and kindred beverages, if any man uses them as a substitute for 
poor water, it is an excuse poorer than any "slough-water" we ever saw in a mud-hole. 
He must abide the terrible consequences, — worse here than in the North, if possible. 
In making these remarks we would observe that, though Texas is one of the 
healthiest States in the Union, it is necessary that we should act prudently, re- 
membering the old adage, that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of 
cu re. 

Bear in mind that it is difficult in this State, especially in the country, to find fe- 
male help, and look forward and plan not to have too great a burden of housework 
for women to bear. Remember, this kind of work is ever doing, never done, and 
incapable of being put off, and that it is not safe to be overtaxed in a new climate 



«^^^##f^ 



WORTH KNOWING. 

Corn planted three feet apart each way gives oOJ hills to the rod, 4,840 to the 
acre, and 48,400 to a ten-acre field. Allowing 5J hUls to the rod for the worms 
and crows, it would leave 25 hills to the rod, 4,000 to the acre, and 40,000 to a ten- 
acre field. Planting four feet apart each way gives nearly 20 to the rod, 3,063J 
to the acre, and 30,635 to a ten-acre field. Whether the crows and worms would 
find as many hills four feet apart is not a matter for mathematical calculation ; 
but, supposing they should destroy 62^ hills to the acre, there would be left 19 hills 
to the rod, 3,000 to the acre, and 30,000 to a ten-acre field. 

P. DE CORDOVA, 

]VOTARY PUBLIC FOR TRAVIS COUIVTY, 

Commissioner of the United States Court of Claims, 

Commissioner of Deeds 

for nearly every State in the Union. 

Swenson's Buildings, 

City of Austin, Texas. 

nEFERENCES. 

Hon. T. J. Rusk, P. H. Bell, E. M. Pease, 

Sam Houston, J. B. Shaw, J. H. Raymond. 



J. DE CORDOVA'S MAP OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. 29 

J. DE CORDOVA'S 

MAP OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, 

A NEW AND CARETTLLY REVISED EDITION, 

WIIICII HAS JUST BEEN ISSUED BY 

J. H. COLTON & CO., No. 172 William Street, New York. 



In this edition will bo found imjiortant antl valuable corrections of that region of connti-y 
comprising; the upper waters of the Krazos and Ked Rivers, made during the months of April, 
Slay and June, 1S56, on an exploring trip preparatory to the locating of half a million acres 
of land for the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railroad. The exploration of this country 
was attended with an unusual expense. The proprietor has had the exclusive control of tho 
fiold-notes taken by liiui, and from which that portion of tho map has been carefully revised 
and corrected. The region of country thus explored commenced at the junction of Antelope 
Creek and the Brazos River, thence up tho Brazos River as far west as the Llano Estacado, 
thence to the mouth of the Big Wichita, through tho Beaver Creek country, thonco up Red 
River to Pease River, a southern tributary of Red River, which was discovered on this trip, 
and therefore named Pease River, in honor of the present Governor of the State. 

TESTIMONIALS. 

Washinoton City, August 12, 1S4S. 
Wp, the undersigned. Senators and Representatives from the State of Texas, do hereby 
certify that we have carefully examined .T. De Cordova's map of the State of Toxa.s, comjjiled by 
II. Creutzbaur from the recoids of tho General Land Office of Texas, and have no hesitation in 
Baying that no map could surpa!=s this in accuracy and fidelity. 

it has delineated upon it every county in the State, its towns, rivers, and streams; and we 
cordially recommend it to every person who desires correct geographical information of our 
State. To persons desirous of visiting Texas it will be invaluable. 

TnOS. .T. RUSK, DAVID S. KAUFMAN, 

SAM HOUSTON, T. PILSBURY. 

Thi> undersigned is much gratified in being empowered to certify to the correctness of this 
map. it being the only one extant that is truly correct. JOHN C. HAYES. 

I hereby certify- that this map has been compiled from the records of the General Land 
Office by Robert Creutzbaur, and that it is the most correct representation of tlie State which 
I have soen, or which has come within my knowledge. The meanders of the rivers are aJl cor- 
rectly represented, being made from actual surveys. THUS. WM. WARD. 

Austin, .Tuly 4, 1848. 
The undersigned, Commisioner of the General Land OfTico of the State of Texas, has no 
hesitancy in declaring it as his firm conviction that tliis map is a very correct representation 
of the State, representing all returns up to date, having been compiled with great care from 
tho records of the General Land Office by the draughtsman, Robert Creutzbaur. 

[Seal.] GEO. W. SMYTH. 

Executive Office of tite State of Texas. 
I certify that Thomas William Ward was Commissioner of tho General Land Office from tho 
5th day of January. 1841. to the 20th day of March. 1S48: and al.so that George W. Smith is 
now and has been Commissioner as aforesaid since the 20111 day of March last. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the State, at 
Austin, the Vth dav of July, 1848. and of the Independence of Texas tho thirteenth year. 

[SealO By the Governor: GEO. T. WOOD. 

W. D. Miller, Secretary of State. 



30 ON SALTING MEAT. 

LIST OF UNITED STATES SENATORS. 

Sam Houston, elected to office February 21, 1846. 

Thomas J. Kusk, February 21, 1846. 

Sam Houston, December 15, 1847. 

Thomas J. Rusk, August 26, 1850. 

Sam Houston, January 15, 1851. 

J. PiNCKNEY Henderson, December, 1857. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

FIRST DISTRICT. SECOND DISTRICT. 

David S. Kaufman, March 31, 1846. 
David S. Kaufman, November 2, 1846. 
David S. Kaufman, August 6, 1849. 
Richardson Scurry, August 4, 1851. 
George W. Smyth, August 1, 1853. 
Lemuel D. Evans, August 2, 1865. 
John H. Reagan, August 3, 1857. 



Timothy Pilsbury, March 31, 1846. 
Timothy Pilsbury, November 2, 1846. 
VoLNEY E. Howard, August 6, 184y. 
VoLNEY E. Howard, August 4, 1851. 
P. H. Bell, August 1, 1853. 
P. H. Bell, August 2, 1855. 
Guy M. Bryan, August 3, 1857. 



From necessity, much the larger portion of animal food consumed in Texas is 
salted meat; and as it is important that, under these circumstances, it should be 
properly prepared, and as so few persons understand the art, we give the following 
process, being fully satisfied that those who will take the trouble will be amply re- 
paid by the superior flavor and nutriment that meat salted on this plan possesses 
over that which is cured by the common manner. 

ON SALTING RIEAT. 

When we undertake the salting of meat, we perform as truly a chemical process 
as any chemist in his laboratory. It may be asked, " How does salting meat preserve 
it from decomposition?" In this manner: — Salting is an imperfectmethod of drying: 
and the preserving meat by salting is based upon the fact that dry meat is moist- 
ened very imperfectly and with great difficulty by salt water, although clear water 
moistens it readily. Salt, therefore, prevents the meat from putrefying, by 
withdrawing from it a large portion of the water — of which it contains 69 parts in 
every 100 — and some other soluble matters, which are active and necessary agents 
of decomposition. Water, having a greater tendency to unite with salt than meat, 
leaves the one and with the other forms a brine, as every person knows who has 
ever laid down meat with dry salt. In some cases sufficient water is extracted 
from the meat to cover the whole with a brine. The amount of water remaining 
in the moat is not sufficient to cause tainting. But the water is not the only ele- 
ment extracted from the meat. Other soluble ingredients of the juice are removed 
at the same time ; so that the brine really contains potash, phosphoric acid, lactic 
acid, creatin, and also a considerable quantity of albumen. It appears, then, that 



ON SALTING MEAT. 31 

much of the nutritive value of meat is lost by saltinj;, the brine containing all the 
ingredients of a rich, nourishing soup. In fact, the brine is richer in nutritive 
matters than the liquor after boiling; or, in other words, salt extracts the nutritive 
properties of meat to a far greater extent than boiling. 

It is the practice vrith some to put the brine on scalding hot, and there is sound 
philosophy in the practice. Boiling water coagulates the albumen and renders it 
almost entirely insoluble. It is supposed that saltpetre and sugar have the same 
effect in preserving the nutritious properties of meat, though the peculiar mode of 
their action is not correctly known : the sugar, it is likely, however, becomes lactic 
aoid ; and the saltpetre is decomposed, the nitric acid uniting with some other base, 
thuspreventing its loss among the brine. It is well known that in salt containing lime 
and magnesia, the latter is precipitated bj' the phosphoric acid of the meat-juices 
upon the surface of the meat, giving it a slippery coating. It is a good practice to 
use the same brine year after year. It should be boiled and skimmed; and, being 
now full of the nourishing matters of the old meat, it is less likely to absorb these 
from the new, while the salt acts als effectively as ever. A pound of black pepper 
to every hundred pounds of meat assists to preserve the latter and adds much to 
the flavor. We can recommend this from our own experience for several years 
past. It should be sprinkled on as the layers are put in. 

In Jackson's " Reflections on the Commerce of the Mediterranean," there are 
some useful suggestions to be derived from the account of the mode of curing beef 
at Tunis, (coast of Africa.) He says, '"Wo killed upwards of forty bullocks in the 
hottest season, and by observing the following method never spoiled one ounce of 
meat. The animal should bo killed as quickly as possible. As soon as he is 
skinned and quartered, begin to cut up in six-pound pieces, — not larger, particu- 
larly the thick parts. 

" Take half a pound of black pepper, half a pound of red or cayenne popper, 
boil a pound of the best saltpetre, all ground fine; mix these three well together; 
then mix them with about three quarts of very fine salt. This mixture is suSicient 
for eight hundredweight of beef. 

''As the pieces are brought from the person cutting up, first sprinkle them with 
the spice-mixture and introduce a little into all the thickest parts; if it cannot bo 
done otherwise, make a small incision with a knife. The first Salter, after rubbing 
salt and spice (the mixture) well into the meat, should take and mould the piece, 
in the same way as washing a shirt upon a board; this may be very easily dune, 
as the meat being lately killed is soft and pliable : this moulding opens the grain 
of the meat, which makes it imbibe the spice and salt much quicker than by the 
common method of salting. The first Salter hands his pieces over to the second 
Salter, who moulds and rubs the salt well into the meat, and, if ho observes occasion, 
introduces the spice. When the second Salter has finished his piece, he folds it up 
as closely as possible and hands it to the packer at the tubs, who must be stationed 
near him. The packer must be careful to pack his tubs as close as possible. 

"All the work must be carried on in the shade, where there is a strong current 



32 IMPORTANCE OF A SINGLE VOTE. 

of air, this being a very material point in curing meat in a hot climate. Meat 
may be cured in this manner with the greatest safety when the thermometer in the 
shade is at 110 degrees, the extreme heat assisting the curing. A good-sized 
bullock of six or seven hundredweight may be killed and salted within the hour. 

"The person who attends with spice near the first Salter has the greatest trust 
imposed on him : besides the spice, he should be well satisfied that each piece is 
sufficiently salted. All the salt should be very fine, and the packer, besides sprink- 
ling the bottom of his tubs, should be careful to put plenty of salt between each 
tier of meat, which is very soon turned into the finest pickle. The pickle will 
cover the meat almost as fast as the packer can stow it away. 

" By this method there is no doubt the meat is perfectly cured in three hours 
from the time of killing the bullock ; the saltpetre in a very little time strikes 
through the meat ; however, it is better to let it lie in the tubs till the following 
morning, when it will have an exceedingly pleasant smell on opening the tubs; 
then take it out and pack it in tight barrels with its own pickle. 

" Provisions cured in this manner will keep during the longest voyages, are 
more wholesome and palatable than any other, and a sure preventive of scurvy, 
partly owing to the spices that are made use of in curing; and a careful cook may 
make good soup from this meat, as the salt is very easily extracted; the same 
operation which served to impregnate the meat with salt — moulding — will also 
serve to extract it." 



IMPORTANCE OF A SINGLE VOTE. 

Each of our friends, before thinking of emigrating to Texas or any other State, 
ought to take the vote of his wife. The importance of her vote will be felt hereafter; 
for remember that a great deal depends on the wife to insure success in a new 
country. It is she that creates the new home in a strange country; therefore, before 
you remove, be sure to secvxre her vote. Remember that the destinies of nations 
have depended upon a single vote. If the question was asked. What caused the 
Mexican war? the answer would be. The annexation of Texas. What gave us 
California, Utah and New Mexico ? AVhat placed Zachary Taylor in the Presi- 
dential Chair? And last, although not least. What may save our glorious Union ? 
The same answer to each of these inquiries must be given : — The annexation of 
Texas. But how was this annexation of Texas consummated? By ONE VOTE in 
the United States Senate; and that was cast by Mr. Hannegan of Indiana! How 
■was Mr. Hannegan elected as Senator? By the vote of Mr. Madison Marsh, of 
Stanton county, Indiana ! What majority had Mr. Marsh, by which he was sent so 
fortunately to the Legislature? ONE VOTE, — which was the whole majority 
he received. As such is the case, and such important results have sprung from 
that ONE vote, be sure you obtain that vote from youe wife ; for perhaps, so far 
as you are concerned, equal results may spring therefrom. 



MARITAL RIGHTS. - 33 

Every person who is about emigrating to Texas ought to "read carefully the 
following, and reflect upon their bearing, as we deem the proper understanding of 
those several enactments of immense importance to the advancement of Texian 
interests. 

MARITAL RIGHTS. 

The following law passed at the adjourned session of the Legislature of Texas 
is of such general importance that wc have determined to copy the entire law. 

CHAPTER CXIIL 

An act supplemextary to the act of March 13th, 1848, entitled " an act 

better defining the marital rights of parties." 

Sec. 1. Be it enacted, by the Legislature of the State of Texas, that the com- 
munity property of the husband and wife shall be liable for all their debts con- 
tracted during marriage, except in such cases as are specially excepted by law ; 
and in the settlement of community estates it shall be the duty of the survivor, 
executor or administrator to keep a separate and distinct account of all the com- 
munity debts allowed or paid in the settlement of such estates. 

Sec. 2. That it shall not be necessary i'or any surviving husband to administer 
upon the community property of himself and his deceased wife; but he shall have 
the exclusive man.agemcnt, control and disposition of the same after her death, 
in the same manner as during her life, subject to the provisions of this act. 

Sec. 3. That it shall be the duty of the surviving husband at the death of his 
wife, if she have a surviving child or children, to file in the county court a full, 
fair and complete inventory and appraisement of all the community property of 
himself and his deceased wife, to bo taken and recorded as in cases of adminis- 
tration, and to have the same force and effect in all suits between parties claiming 
under it. After which, without any administration or further action whatever in 
the probate court, he shall have the right to manage, control and dispose of said 
commurtity property, both real and personal, in such manner as to him may seem 
best for the interest of said estate, and of suing and being sued with regard to 
the same, in the same manner as during the life of tho wife. And he shall keep 
a fair and full account and statement of all exchanges, sales and other disposition 
of community property, and upon final partition shall account to the legal heirs 
of his wife for their interest in said community, and tho increase and profits in 
tho same, after deducting a reasonable commission for the management of the 
same. And he shall bo liable to tho amount of said inventory and appraisement 
at all times for the interest of said heirs in said community property. 

Sec. 4. That should said surviving husband neglect, fail or refuse to file said 
inventory in tho county court, as required by tho provisions of this act, within 
sixty days after the death of his deceased wife, the county court, upon complaint 
made and satisfactory proof thereof by any one having an interest in said estate 
either in person or by next friend, may, upon its own motion or tho motion of any 
party interested, require him to do so, or otherwise grant administration upon 
said estate, as in other cases provided by statute. 

2* 



34 MARITAL RIGHTS. 

And if upon tlie filing of said inventory it shall appear to the conrt that it is 
in any way necessary for the protection of the property belonging to said estate, 
bond and security may be required of said surviving husband in such amount and 
with such conditions as may be deemed necessary by the court for the protection 
of the interests of the creditors and heirs of said estate, and, upon failure to exe- 
cute said bond with security as required by said court, administration may bo 
granted upon said estate as in other cases. 

Sec. 5. That should any of the heirs of the deceased wife, either in person or 
by next friend or guardian, represent and show to any court of competent juris- 
diction that said surviving husband is wasting or mismanaging or is about to 
waste or mismanage said community property, or is about to remove it out of the 
State or otherwise dispose of it in such manner as to injure or defraud the right 
of such heir or heirs, the husband may be required to enter into such bond and 
security for the proper management of such property, and with such other condi- 
tions, as may be required by the court ; or the court may appoint an administrator 
over the estate of the wife, as in other cases provided by statute. 

Sec. 6. That said surviving husband may, as each of the surviving heirs of his 
deceased wife, or all of them, become of lawful age, set aside and deliver him or 
them what he considers their equal and equitable share in said community pro- 
perty, exhibiting therewith a full and complete statement of the same; for which 
he may require the receipt of such heir, stating the amount, description and value 
of the property delivered; which said partition and distribution shall be binding 
and final upon said heir or heirs, unless proceeding is commenced in some compe- 
tent court within two years after said distribution, by such heir, to set the same aside. 
In which case, any party interested may require a full and fair investigation 
into the whole of said estate and said partition ; and the court entertaining juris- 
diction of the same shall have full discretion to enter all decrees and orders to 
obtain and carry out a full and fair settlement and partition of said estate with 
such heir or heirs as may then be entitled to receive their distributive share. 

Sec. 7. That the surviving wife may retain the exclusive management and 
control of the community property of herself and her deceased husband, in the 
same manner, and subject to the same rights, rules and regulations, as provided 
in the foregoing provisions of this act, until she may marry again. But upon a 
second marriage she shall cease to have such control and management of said 
estate, or the right to dispose of the same under the provisions of this act, and 
said estate shall be subject to administration, as in other cases of deceased persons 
estates. 

Sec. 8. That the husband or wife may by last will and testament give to the 
surviving husband or wife the power to keep his or her separate property together 
until each of the several heirs shall become of lawful age, and to manage and 
control the same, under the provisions of this act and such other restrictions as 
may be imposed by will. Provided the surviving husband or wife is the father or 
mother, as the case may be, of the minor heirs; and provided, further, that any 



CUTTING AND DESTROYING TIMBER. 35 

child or heir cutitled to any part of said property sliall, at any time upon be- 
coming of age, be entitled to receive his distributive portion wf said estate. 

Siic. 9. That this act take elTect and be in force from and after its passage, and 
that the provisions of all laws, in so far as they conflict with the provisions of this 
act, be, and the same are thus far, repealed. 

Approved, August 26th, 1856. 

• ' t l »S» S 1 ' • 

RATES OF INTEREST, AND THE USURY LAWS. 

AVhere there is no spceilic agreement, the rate of interest in Texas is eight per 
cent.; but by special contract twelve per cent, is legal. On sales of land on time, the 
rate stipulated is generally ten per cent. On usurious contracts the whole interest 
is forfeited. 

LIQUOR LICENSE LAW AND GAMING. 

Applicants must give bond with two securities in the sum of one thousand dol- 
lars, conditioned that the applicant shall keep an orderly house, will not sell to 
minors under sixteen years old, i)or to students, or negroes without permission 
from the party having control of such nogroes, and that he will not permit any 
games to be played at his house or place. The license is fi.xed at the rate of 
$250 per year; and no license can be granted for a less period than four months. 
Debts contracted in violation of this law cannot bo legally enforced. Beer 
brewed in Texas is the only article exempted. 



The following extracts from the Penal Code adopted at the adjourned session of 
the Legislature in 1856 arc well worthy the attention of all parties, as they plainly 
show that the day has passed in Texas when men can with impunity burn our 
prairies or cut our timber, which has heretofore been too much the custom. 

BURNING PRAIRIE OR WOODLAND. 

If any person shall wilfully burn or cause to be burned any woodland or 
prairie, not his own, at any time between the 1st of July and the 15th of February 
succeeding, he shall be fined not less than fifty dollars, nor more than three hundred 
dollars. The offence named in the foregoing article is complete where the person 
offending sets fire to his own woodland or prairie and the fire communicates to 
the woodland or prairie of another. 

OF CUTTING AND DESTROYING TIMBER. 

If any person, without the consent of the owner, shall knowingly cut down or 
destroy any tree or timber upon any land not his own, or shall knowingly, and 
irithout such consent, carry away any such timber, ho shall be punished by fine 
not oicecding three times the value of tho timber so unlawfully cut down, de- 



36 DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN DEBT OF TEXAS, 

stroyecl or carried away. If the offence spoken of in the preceding article be 
prosecuted in the district court, it shall not be necessary for the indictment, or 
information, to state the name of the owner of such timber; but it shall be suffi- 
cient to charge that the timber was not the property of the person so offending. 
Each day's cutting, destruction or carrying away of timber, in violation of the 
provisions of this act, shall be regarded as a separate offence. An offence 
under the provisions of this chapter may be prosecuted before a justice of 
the peace when three times the amount of the damages done in the un- 
lawful act does not exceed one hundred dollars. The district court shall have 
exclusive jurisdiction of the offence defined in this chapter when the fine exceeds 
one hundred dollars, and shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the justices' 
courts when the fine does not exceed that amount. Nothing in this chapter con- 
tained shall render any person guilty of an offence who cuts or uses timber for 
the purpose of making or repairing any public road or bridge passing over or 
immediately adjacent to the land on which such tree or timber may be found, or 
who uses a reasonable amount of wood standing outside of an enclosure for the 
purpose of making fires while travelling on the road. Nothing contained in this 
chapter shall exempt a person from the penalty affixed to the offence of theft, 
whenever timber is taken in such manner as to come within the definition of that 
offence. 

— ^*-S-^#®<t€-^»-^ — 

The following is a statement of the public debt at the time of annexation, and 
the rates at which it has been scaled. There is now in the Treasury every dollar 
of the small balance due the claimants, which will be paid so soon as they present 
their claims duly authenticated. 

DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN DEBT OF TEXAS. 

DOMESTIC DEBT ON JANUARY 1, 1848. 

Audited Drafts, $ 267,384 40 

Treasury Notes, -- - 2,553,941 00 

Eight per cent. Bonds, - 809,800 00 

Funded Debt, - 1,675,800 00 

Interest on Liabilities, - 2,539,221 21 

Unaudited Claims, - - 1,060,000 00 

$8,906,146 61 
FOREIGN DEBT ON JANUARY 1, 1848. 
Amount borrowed of the United States Bank, - - - $400,000 00 

Interest on the above from July 1, 1839, to January 1, 1848, - 340,000 00 

Claim of James Holford for steamer Zavala, ... - 180,039 08 

Interest from Nov. 18, 1838, to January, 1848, - - - 153,025 22 

Claim of F. Dawson and others for Naval Vessels, ... 560,000 80 
Interest from Nov. 13th, 1838, to Jan. 1, 1848, . - . -' 511,000 00 

$2,144,054,90 • 

Total Foreign and Domestic Debt, $11,050,201 51 



MOSS, AND PAPER-MAKING. 



37 



SCALED VALUE OF THE PUBLIC DEBT. 
First Class, available at Par. 

United States Bank, James UoU'ord and F. Dawson 2,144,054 90 

Audited Drafts at par issued 80,000 00 

10 per cent. Consolidated Stock issued to Swartwout 155,000 00 

Unaudited Claims. 

SECOND CLASS SCALED, 333 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR. 

10 per cent, consolidated stock, June 7th, 1837. 

$1,352,291 93. 450,763 29 

THIRD CLASS, SCALED AT 30 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR. 
$1,432,204 ten per cent, stock, created February 5th, 1840, and interest, 429,001 97 

$359,84 eight per cent, stock, created by samo act, and interest 10,784 40 

FOURTH CLASS, VALUED AT 25 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR. 

$187,884 40 audited drafts, less those allowed at par $46,846 10 

$3,339,690 21 Treasury notes with interest 834,922 55 

$1,263,288 00 eight per cent, bonds 315,822 00 

$5,528,195 19 
PUBLIC DEBT. 

FACE-VALUE, PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST TO JULY 1, 1855, AND 
TUEIR SCALED VALUE BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS. 



10 per cent. Bonds under Act June 7, 1837 



10 
10 
10 
10 
10 



10 
10 



Swartwout 
" for naval vessels, Dawson Debt . 

" for naval vessels, Ilolford Debt . 

" for loan of U. S. Bank . . 

" Funding Act, February, 1840 . 

(( « « « (( 

Treasury Bonds, Act February 5, 1840 

Treasury Notes, Act June 7, 1837 . . 



Treasury notes without interest. Act June, 1839 



$1,657,803 


70 cents 


29,291 


1,00 . . 


1,211,000 


50 . . 


411,404 


50 . . 


900,498 


87 45-100 


1,627,784 


30 cents 


46,596 


30 . . 


1,417,680 


20 . . 


65,208 


1,00 . . 


451.708 


50 . . 


2,199,728 


25 . . 



Thus it will be seen that the whole amount of the debt of Texas which was 
contracted was $11,050,201 50, the scaled value of which was $5,528,195 19; but 
it required $8,497,604 95 to settle the same, the above rates haviug been altered to 
76 9-10 cents on the dollar upon every class of claims. 



MOSS, AND PAPER-MASING. 

The recent invention of Dr. Terry, of Detroit, in the manufacture of paper from 
moss, is destined to be of considerable importance to Texas, as there is a region of 
country, for about one hundred miles from the coast, where an immense quantity of 
this valuable article can be obtained. And, now that we have the aid of the Buffalo 



38 MOSS, AND PAPER-MAKING. 

Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad, and the Galveston and Red River Railroad 
in running order for a short distance into the interior, they will afford facilities for 
the transportation to our seaboard of this hitherto-neglected article of commerce, — 
thus forming another article of export of the production of Texian soil. 

The gathering and drying of this article requii'e little or no capital in preparing 
it for market; and we doubt not, if this business were once commenced, that large 
quantities of the finer qualities, instead of being converted into paper, would find 
their way into the hands of the mattress-makers. Will some of our friends inform us 
of the process that the raw material must undergo to prepare it for this purpose ? 

It is a well-known fact that the supply of rags has been for many years very 
short, and every device that human ingenuity could invent has been resorted to to 
supply the deficiency ; and, in place of rags, straw, the waste from palm-leaf manu- 
factories, grass, bass-wood, wood shavings, birch bark, &o. have been tried, — out of 
many of which paper of a fair quality for wrapping-purposes has been produced ; 
but we are not aware that any of the finer qualities of paper have been manufactured 
from these articles. But it is said that moss makes a beautiful white paper, in all 
respects fully equal to that made from linen rags, and that, too, without the aid 
of any other preparation or machinery than is to be found in our ordinary paper-mills. 

Unless persons have carefully examined the vast amount of the cost of rags, they 
can form no idea of its importance. And to show that there never can be a glut in 
the market if the Texians should turn their attention to the gathering of moss for 
this purpose, we deem it not out of place here to make the following statements, 
which may be relied upon as correct. 

To make one pound of paper it takes one and a quarter pounds of rags, which 
average four cents per pound. There are in the United States alone over EIGHT 
HUNDRED paper-mills in operation, requiring over THREE THOUSAND 
engines to keep them at work, and they produce over TAVO HUNDRED AND 
SEVENTY MILLIONS of pounds of paper; which, if valued at the low rate often 
cents per pound, will amount to TWENTY-SEVEN MILLIONS of dollars ! ! ! And 
to show how important an article rags are, we subjoin a statement of the cost of 
manufacturing this immense amount of paper : — 

406,000,000 lbs. rags, at 4 cents per pound, is . $16,240,000 
Cost of labor, at IJ cents per pound, . . 3,375,000 

Cost of conducting the manufactories, indepen- 
dent of rags and labor, .... $4,050,000 23,665,000 

Out of this immense amount of rags we imported, in the year 1853, 22,766,000 
pounds, — worth $910,640. The principal portion of these was imported from 
Italy. Besides this large amount of raw material, we import yearly nearly one mil- 
lion dollars' worth of paper. 

Nor is the demand for paper confined to the United States alone. Although the 
amount used by foreign countries, in proportion to the number of their inhabitants, 
is not to be compared with the amount we consume, yet it is considerable. France, 
with thirty-five millions of inhabitants, manufactures seventy thousand tons^ and 



IMPORTATION OF LUMBER. 39 

Groat Britain, with twenty-eight millions of inhabitants, ninety-six thousand tons, 
of paper, — out of which they have to supply the colonies. 

Of so mifch consequence has the finding a substitute for rags been considered, that 
England has, with commendable spirit, offered a premium for the discovery of an 
article that will supersede the use of rags, — which, if moss can be made to take tho 
place of, will bo of vast importance, not only in a pecuniary view, but as tho 
means of preventing the introduction of malignant diseases within our limits ; for 
almost every case of smallpox, yellow fever or cholera brought among us is to bo 
traced to the rags imported from foreign countries. 



IMPORTATION OF LUMBER. 

It must indeed seem strange to parties abroad that we should bo compelled to 
import so large an amount of lumber into Texas, after being informed of tho ex- 
tensive pine-forests of the San Jacinto River and Trinity, — forests extensive enough 
to supply tho whole of Texas, as large a State as she is, with building and fencing 
materials. Not only to Mobile are we indebted for timber and lumber, but large 
quantities are brought from the State of Maine. Even the ties for the Galveston, 
Ilouston and Henderson Railroad had to be procured from the latter point ; not that 
Texas did not possess a suflBeieney of the very best kinds of materials, but it was 
impossible to make them available, in consequence of the exorbitant rate of transpor- 
tation. This, however, will soon be remedied, as the Galveston, Uouston and Hen- 
derson Railroad are now pushing on their work with renewed vigor and energy, and 
the moment their road reaches the pine-forests of tho San Jacinto, that moment 
will this heavy importation of lumber cease, and our own citizens will realizo 
immense sums from their hitherto almost valueless pine-forests. Is it not time 
that those who intend embarking in the lumber-business should at once be making 
the necessary preparations ? for it must bo borne in mind that as soon as facilities 
are provided by which lumber can be transported, we will require ten times tho 
quantity that wo now use. Tho amount being consumed solely in the larger towns 
and only obtained by an enormous outlay of capital, the reduction of prices 
attendant on increased facilities will create even in the towns a more extensive de- 
mand; but even this will be of trifling importance when compared with the immense 
amount that will be required by tho farmers in the interior of our State, for no 
sooner will this lumber find its way to the waters of Buffalo Bayou than it will be 
transported to the rich Brazos country by the Ilouston and Red River Railroad and 
the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad, thus showing that, instead of 
these roads being antagonistic to each other, they will be of mutual assistance 
and benefit. Bj' the aid of this lumber, farms will be opened in the country through 
which each of these railways passes, and thus will be created additional elements 
for their prosperity, by increasing the amount of travel and transportation. Thus 
it is plainly to bo seen that all that is required for Texas to realize and win for 
herself the proud title of "'the Garden State of tho Union" is for her to bo true 
to herself and advance tho works of internal improvement as rapidly as she can. 



40 PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

The importance of connecting the Atlantic coast with the Pacific is becoming every 
day more apparent. The vast importance of this undertaking is sensibly felt and 
appi-eciated throughout the whole Union. It is an enterprise which when com- 
pleted will give us a decided advantage over every other nation ; and that is one 
reason why every true lover of his country ought to cast aside every thing like 
sectional prejudice and put his shoulder to the wheel to aid in forwarding this truly 
great enterprise. That the route through Texas on the 32d degree is decidedly the 
most advantageous, no one who has attentively examined the subject unbiassed 
can contradict. It is true that this is a gigantic enterprise, and will require not 
only the united efforts of corporate and State aid, but, to successfully carry it out 
within a reasonable time, national assistance must be rendered. The State of Texas 
has taken the initiatory step in chartering a company with a capital of 100,000,000 
dollars, and a grant of 16 sections, equal to 10,24:0 acres of land, for every mile 
constructed, — a grant amply sufBcient not only to repay hereafter every dollar in- 
vested, but also to leave a large surplus. 

We have recently (during the summer of 1857) passed over a large district of 
country, over which this railroad must pass if ever built through Texas, and that, 
too, with ox-wagons. We had seldom to deviate out of a direct road ; and, when we 
did, it was to cross some river, creek or branch. We were never detained beyond a 
single hour at any of these crossings ; and from the time we struck the river 
Colorado until the extreme head of the Concho River, we passed through a country 
that was well watered, and, although scant of timber, affording fine land and 
an abundance of excellent buUding-stone, and presenting no serious obstacles in the 
way of constructing railroads at a low rate. The following report of A. B. Gray, 
Esq., the talented civil engineer, who fully explored that section of the country, 
is well worth the attentive perusal of every one interested in the accomplishment 
of this vast but important undertaking. All that this enterprise requires is a long 
pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together. 

FORT CHxlDBOURNE TO THE MUSTANG SPRINGS. 

We are indebted to A. B. Gray, Esq., the talented Chief Engineer of the Pacific 
Railway and Texas Western Railroad, for the following able article, which we doubt 
not will be found of deep interest to our readers generally. 

On the 1st of January, 1854, we set out for Fort Chadbourne, where we arrived on 
the 13th of the same month. Our route was that usually travelled northward by way 
of Fredericksburg and Foi't Mason, crossing the rivers Guadalupe, Perdenales, 
Llano, San Saba, Concho, and the West Fork of the Colorado. The observations 
from the Gulf Coast at Matagorda Bay fully prove it to be practicable should a, 
branch railway at any time bo deemed expedient to connect with the proposed 
main stem on the parallel of 32 degrees north latitude. 

Fort Chadbourne, near the present northern frontier of Texas, was established 



PACIFIC RAILROAD. 41 

about three years ago, upon Oak Creek, a tributary of the Colorado. I found it to 
be in latitude 32 deg. 1 min. 40 sec. and longitude very nearly 100 deg. 5 min. 
west from Greenwich. It is relatively situated to the navigable waters of the Mis- 
sissippi near Shreveport, 407 miles south of west; and from El Paso on the Rio 
Grande it is 37G miles east. From St. Louis, Mo., it is about southwest distant 
700 miles. Examinations have been made from the eastern boundary of the State, 
thus far, by Hon. Thos. J. Rusk, U. S. Senator, and General Orville Clarke, of 
New York ; whose reports being highly favorable to the construction of a railway, 
and having upon several expeditious explored much of that district of country my- 
self, it was deemed advisable that I should proceed at once to make this my point 
of departure west on the line of 32°. Reference to the nature of the country up to 
this place, and its peculiar adaptation to a railway, will be made in the following 
chapter. This section comprises a distance of 100 miles in an almost direct lino 
west, the springs being in latitude 32 deg. 4i min. north. 

Ou the 17th of Januarj', we took our departure from Fort Chadbourne, and, fol- 
lowing Oak Creek seven miles, after a gradual ascent emerged upon a plain stretch- 
ing off to the north and west, with visible elevations and mountain-peaks in the 
distance. Twenty miles upon this plain brought us to the summit of a divide, by 
a rise of 27 7-lOths feet per mile, whence we descended 12 miles farther by ten feet 
loss grade to the Colorado River, which was forded at a point having no appear- 
ance of overflow of its banks, — thence ascended a small tributary for 30 miles at 10 J 
feet per mile. 

From the head of this valley wo passed over slightly-elevated spurs putting out 
from the edge of the Llano Estacado, separating the " Big Springs" of the Colo- 
rado from those called "Mustang Springs." There was no necessity for this, as wo 
shortly after discovered : still, without guides other than my instruments, our safest 
course appeared to bo the one followed, to reach water. A course little south of 
west from the head of the valley would have given a gentle ascent of 8 feet per 
mile, and a descent not exceeding 10 feet per mile, for 25 miles, — likewise have been 
more direct, and avoided the rough gullies and hills encountered by us. 

Sunday, the 22d of J.anuary, we struck the emigrant trail, (leading from Fort 
Smith, Arkansas, to El Paso,) having travelled due west six miles from our night's 
encampment, and, following the road S. 45 deg. W., at 10 o'clock A. M. halted to 
take observations of the sun. Equal latitudes for time, and circum-meridian alti- 
tudes for latitude, gave us our position 32 deg. 5 min. 26 sec. north. This deter- 
mination I confidently relied on, my instruments being in good adjustment, and 
the atmosphere clear. 

In less than one hour's march (say two and a half miles) from the noon station, 
to our surprise, we made the MusTAxa Springs, IS miles from their represented 
position upon the map in our possession. 

These springs were found to be a series of small ponds or lakes, of a sulphurous 
and bitter taste, like most of the water emanating from the gypsum formation of 
the Llano Estacado. They are about a mile in extent, and aot observable until 



42 PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

within a few hundred yards, being in a depression of the plain sixty feet below the 
surfiMje. Wild geese and ducks were abundant, and a mess for all hands obtained. 
The name is derived from their being the resort of Mustangs for water; or proba- 
bly because it is a general camping-place for the Comanches and other Indians in 
their predatory excursions to the Rio Grande, and where the fattest of these animals 
are selected for feast-occasions. These feasts must have been frequent, as it is a 
perfect golgotha of horses' skulls and bones. 

It will be seen that the heaviest grade in this section does not exceed 27 feet and 
73 hundredths per mile, while most of the way it is so light as to be almost level ; 
one stream of 40 feet to cross, having firm banks, and the ground by nature in 
many parts already prepared, with little or no masonry required. There will be 
very light cutting and filling, and no expensive blasting or rock-excavation, being 
chiefly soft sandstone and lime. The curves are few, and all of great radii. 

For pastoral and agricultural purposes this section of country is believed, by those 
who have been through it, to have no superior. Springs and streams of fine water 
everywhere abound, the quality of the soU being very excellent; whUst lime and 
sandstone quarries are abundant. Though just after a heavy norther in January, 
the bright buflfalo and mezquite grasses, waving in the sunlight and glistening from 
every valley and hill-slope, presented the appearance of vast cultivated fields; whilst 
the picturesque oak-groves, resembling orchards, and the gardens of the settlers 
about Fort Chadbourne, furnished indisputable evidence of productivejiess and a 
genial climate. 

Two companies of dragoons were stationed there, under command of Lieut. 
Hawes. Large supplies of excellent hay, the spontaneous growth of the neighbor- 
hood, were piled up near the stables, and every thing seemed to contribute toward 
an early, prosperous and thick settlement. It presents one of the most attractive 
and well-favored districts, although so recently having the appearance of a savage 
wilderness. 

From the almost entire absence of snow and severe cold, it seems to be well 
adapted to the raising of cotton, tobacco, corn and wheat, as well as the esculents 
and grains generally. 

Some idea of the salubrity of the climate may be found in the following memo- 
randa, compiled from an interesting meteorological journal of Assistant Surgeon 
Ephraim Swift, U. S. Army, to whom, and many other oiHcers, I am greatly in- 
debted for facilitating the object of the expedition, and for other kindnesses, to which 
I shall refer more particularly hereafter. 

Mean Temperature by Fahrenheit's Thermometer, Years 1S52 and 1853, 
Fort Chadbourne, Texas. 

WINTER months. PARALLEL OF 32°. sujimer months. 

1852. November, 51° 7 1853, June, 70° 59 
" December, 48° 74 " July, 74° 71 

1853, January, 48° 5 " August, 75° 53 
" February, 51° 3 " Sept. 70° 59 
" March, 53° 48 



PACIFIC RAILROAD. 43 

Greatest hent, at 3 P. M., 96°, twice in August. 

Greatest cold, sunrise, 7 o'clock, February 7th, 9° above zero, once. 

^^i^This was during a " norther," which lasted less than a day. 

Four inches of snow ; disappeared in 12 hours. 

Greatest depth of rain, 6.48 inches ; month of May. 

What" is here remarked of the country, its productiveness and climate, will apply 
to an extent of five hundred miles from the eastern borders of the State of Texas 
along the 32d degree of north latitude. I am not wrong in asserting that esculents 
of every kind, and almost every want which can be relieved from a rich soil and salu- 
brious clime, will be supplied throughout this distance, and in a very short period of 
time. I was for more than a year engaged in marking a portion of the eastern boun- 
dary of Texas ; and, having assisted in establishing on the ground the p.arallel of 
the 32d degree of north latitude, where it intersects the Sabine, the Brazos and 
the Colorado Rivers, and on expeditions at various seasons through the adjacent 
districts, I can say that I know of no country more peculiarly adapted in every way 
to the construction and maintenance of a railroad. The mild and spring-like at- 
mosphere, a perpetual healthy and pure climate, suitable to the growth of the most 
valuable staples, its numberless rivulets and fine alluvial bottoms, fruitful valleys 
and rich uplands interspersed with prairie and timber, a far greater proportion of 
cultivable ground, inexhaustible beds of excellent coal, iron, and other mineral de- 
posits, render it, in varied and valuable resources, unequalled for such a length of 
line as this railway will embrace. The western end of this section, toward the Mus- 
tang Springs, though of equally fertile soil and covered with exuberant grasses, is 
chiefly devoid of timber, except occasional groups of dwarf mezquite and hackberry. 

From Mustaxg SpnnrGS to the Pecos River — 115 Miles. 

This line comprises the transit over the Llano Estacado, the first steppe east of 
the Rocky Mountains. It deviates very little from a right line west and southwest, 
avoiding a narrow ridge of sand-hills which extend for fifty miles to the southeast, 
besides being over a slightly-undulating and otherwise favorable portion of the 
plain. 

The Llano Estacado, or Staked Plain, is an elevated and almost uninterrupted 
table, extending 300 miles south from the parallel of 35 deg. 11 min. north latitude, 
with an extreme breadth, near its middle, of ISO miles. It is bounded entirely on 
the west by the Rio Pecos, and from the eastern and southeastern edges issue innu- 
merable springs and rivulets. It is the fountain-head of the Red River of the Mis- 
sissippi, the Brazos, the Concho, and the Colorado of Texas. The northernmost part 
is represented to be 4,000 feet above the level of the sea ; but the highest elevation 
observed by me in crossing it was 2,995 feet. This shows a gradual slope toward 
the parallel of 32 degrees. 

Under the government of Old Spain, a trail over it from N. W. to S. E. connected 
the military posts and missions of New Mexico with those of San Saba and San An- 
tonio in Texas. Long stretches, slightly undulating, without landmarks, caused 



44 PACIFIC RAILKOAD. 

the Mexicans to plant stakes for the purpose of indicating the approaches to water; 
and thus originated the name of Llano Estacado, or " Staked Plain." 

It is by no means a desert or barren waste; for, with exceptions of narrow belts less 
prepossessing, there are vast fields of fine grazing-lands, where antelope, deer and 
other game are seldom out of sight. It is true that no timber is seen, except here and 
there a stunted mezquite, and no streams flow over it ; but in the deflection niade by 
us we found at the Sand-IIills inexhaustible quantities of the purest water ; and, from 
personal observation, I am satisfied that it may be had anywhere not far below the 
surface. Rich and exuberant grasses cover most of the way, but where the soil is 
sandy it is coarse and less nutritious. The arid portions, being limited, offer no im- 
pediment to the construction or travel of any kind of road; but its gently-undulating 
surface, unbroken and free from chasms, or rocky clifi's to cut through, presents great 
advantages. 

Much of the soil is good ; and I question if the annual burning of the grass by the 
Indians on their return from marauding-expeditions into Mexico, together with the 
" northers," which sweep with such violence over this plain, are not to a great degree 
causes of the total absence of timber. In burning the grass behind them, the object 
of the Indians is to accelerate the spring growth and prevent immediate pursuers 
having grass for their animals. A war-party had, a few days previously, passed 
along, and for many miles the fire was raging around us. As far as the eye could 
witness, all was a-blaze, and at night appeared like a vast amphitheatre of illumi- 
nated cities. This is not one of the least beauties of the prairies. It was not unfre- 
quent to find large isolated patches untouched, through changes of the wind, — upon 
which we encamped, suffering but little inconvenience in the want of forage for our 
animals. A narrow space previously burned off, or an ordinary road, will often stop 
the progress of the flames. The prairie-fires are not, therefore, of any consequence 
as to the injury they might be supposed to do a railway. 

It suddenly turned cold the evening we reached Mustang Springs, and blew a 
severe norther, making it exceedingly unpleasant. AVhen these peculiar gales are 
encountered on the plains without shelter from timber or hills, they are often de- 
structive to animals. They are not frequent, however, and seldom last over a day 
in this region. Parties with heavy cargoes on their mules, encamping after a hard 
day's march, have been caught in the night, and many of the fatigued and stiffened 
animals perished before morning. January, in this latitude, is the month of northers, 
ourselves experiencing three in succession ; but I took the precaution, when over- 
taken by them without cover, to travel, whether night or day. Facing their keen 
blast for 17 miles at a time was severe on the men, with their long beards encased 
in ice from the moisture of their breath; but I was aware that their safety depended 
upon it, and thus prevented extreme sufi'cring and the loss of a single animal. This 
was the first time we knew the Staked Plain attempted to be crossed by a party in 
the depth of winter; and, without trails or guides, it was necessary that great caution 
should be observed. Notwithstanding these cold storms, the grama and mezquita 
grasses grow luxuriantly, remaining good and nutritious the entire year. 



PACIFIC RAILROAD. 45 

The error of locality in the Mustang Springs caused much speculation around 
the men's camp-fires. They were pleased with the idea of being so much farther on 
their way than was expected ; but my confidence in the map was lost, and all hands 
were cautioned to be well prepared before starting again. Having an extended view of 
the surrounding plain, and enabled to observe the character of the country for great 
distances, I determined to proceed to the Sand-Hills, certain of finding water there, 
and from thence make examinations to the Pecos River, being but a slight deviation 
from the desired line. After seven hours' rest, at one o'clock A.M., 23d of January, 
the camp was aroused, canteens and ten-gallon keg filled, and our journey resumed. 
The barometer had fallen since the cold storm ,• but at noon next day the sun came 
out bright, and I obtained some good observations for latitude. On the second even- 
ing, at ten o'clock, we reached the springs in the Sand-Hills; which, instead of 50 
miles' travel, proved to be 63}. This was a sad drawback to some of my men, who had 
not been provident with their rations of water ; and the last seven miles' march was 
a weary and severe drag. At sight of the springs there was no ceremony between 
men and mules, but each appeared to vie with the other in seeing which could 
drink the most. These singular-looking hills seem to be an accumulation of fine 
white sand heaped together near the lower part of the plain, extending south- 
eastwardly for the distance of full fifty or sixty miles from the parallel of 32°, with 
an extreme breadth of ten miles, and innumerable hillocks and ridges /orty to 
eighty feet high, that at night resemble waves of the sea. Though fatigued by a 
long march, there was something exceedingly interesting in our passage through 
them; the alternating light and shade, occasioned by clouds passing before the 
moon, the gleaming of the water, and the uniform ripples in the sand, adding to 
the general beauty, and exciting much wonder and admiration. 

AVe experienced no extraordinary difficulty with our train, including pack-ani- 
mals and wagon, — though the last three miles were the most troublesome, from the 
great depth of the sand ; but every few hundred yards wo found abundance of 
water. I can well understand, however, the terrible consequences to a party at- 
tempting the passage of these hills on a hot day of summer. It would be attended 
with almost certain disaster to a train. A road over the plain from the Mustang 
Springs west for 115 miles, even without water, would be far better after it is 
beaten down. I feel confident, however, that subterranean streams exist through- 
out the Llano Est.acado, and water will be had by sinking wells anywhere on this 
line. If that should fail to be the case, then depressions with sufficient drainage 
exist, where reservoirs can be made at little expense, to hold any quantity collected 
in the rainy season, — such as nature seems to point out in the dry section near 
the head of the Gulf of California, where we found vast natural tanks, containing 
thousands of gallons. In the Sand-Hills we encamped a day, for the purpose of 
exploring and taking observations for latitude and time, when I despatched the 
greater number of the party with the ambulance and baggage, by the trail, to 
Marcy's Crossing, while five men and myself made due west, striking the Pecos 
River in 43 miles over a level and firm portion of the Llano Estacado. 



46 PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

To the summit of the plain from the Mustang Springs there will be an ascending 
grade of 15 6-lOths feet per mile for 71 miles, and thence to the river-bank a descend- 
ing grade of 13 4-lOths feet to the mile for 44 miles, with no bridging or masonry, 
no curves of any consideration ; and the slight excavation and embankment required 
will be mostly in soft sandstone or a lime and gypsum formation. Cross-ties will 
have to be brought from the Guadalupe Mountains, 100 miles west of the Rio Pe- 
cos, if they cannot be floated down that stream, or else from the neighborhood of 
Fort Chadbourne. The road itself, when completed to this place, may, as it pro- 
gresses, with little extra trouble and expense, be made the means of easy transpor- 
tation for all the materials necessary for superstructure. 

From the Pecos River to El Paso, on the Rio Grande — 161 Miles. 

The latitude of the proposed crossing of the Pecos is 31 deg. 45 min. This river, 
though tortuous in places, may possibly be made a channel to convey rafts of tim- 
ber for railroad-purposes, if needed. It heads far north, in the neighborhood of 
Santa Pe, New Mexico, and, where the parallel of 31 deg. 45 min. intersects it, is a 
bold, running stream, sixty-five feet wide, pursuing a S. E. course until it joins the 
Rio Grande 400 miles below El Paso. Its valley is from one to three miles in width, 
and might be made highly productive, having a rich and fertile soil. There is no 
timber about it near the line of the proposed route, except for firewood. Above the 
32d parallel there are numerous rapids, over a rocky bottom. It has &rnt banks, 
and can be easily bridged. We forded it with the cargoes on the mules, without 
diflBculty. 

Between the Pecos River and the Rio Grande are two lines proposed, differing but 
little from each other in length. That examined instrumentally by me (the Guada- 
lupe Peak Route) was found to be pei-fectly practicable, yet believed to have less 
advantages than the other. 

By the Guadalupe Peak, Sierra de los Cornudos, and Sierra Alta, or Hueco 
Mountains, there are several steep grades, with one or two short distances of deep 
cutting and filling; but by lengthening the road some three or four miles, and de- 
scending more gradually along the western slope of the Sierra Guadalupe to- 
ward the Ojo del Cuervo, (Crow Spring, as it is sometimes called,) less cutting 
would be encountered. 

The altitude at the crossing of the Pecos is 2,497 feet above the level of the El 
Paso or Molino del Norte. Where it is proposed to intersect the Rio Grande there 
is an elevation of 3,725 feet. Or if the crossing should be forced by circumstances 
as far up as Froutera, some six miles farther, the altitude of the river would be 
4,375 feet, the ranch-building itself being 3,800 above the level of the sea. The 
distance by each route respectively is 161 and 175 miles; the first passing by the 
foot of the Guadalupe Peak, having to overcome a height of 2,413 7-lOths 
feet in 62 miles, and reach an elevation of 4,896 feet. The divide, however, 
between the two rivers on the line that strikes the valley of the Rio Grande near 
San Elizario, in latitude 31 deg. 35 min., appears to be much less elevated. The 
mountains seem broken and tapering to a considerable depression; and I feel confi- 



PACIFIC RAILROAD. 47 

(lent that the crest will be reached at an altitude of not over 4,200 feet, with mode- 
rate gradients on either side, and thus avoid the expensive cutting and short via- 
duct possiblj' requisite on the other route. These views arc not simply based on state- 
ments of others, but from angular observations taken from the Pecos River, from 
the Guadaluijc Mountains, from San Elizario and intermediate points, to depres- 
sions in the ridges and isolated mountains referred to ; while at the same time 
they are verified by an old surveyor. Captain Ankrim, from personal examinations 
made by him the past year for the purpose of a railway. The most northern of 
these two lines, in a short distance after turning the Guadalupe Mountains, 
crosses the boundary of New Mexico and continues in that Territory for some 50 
miles. This may be considered, under the Texas Western Charter, objectionable : 
if so, the alternative must be the line from the Pecos, in latitude .31 deg. 45 niin. 
But, under any circumstances, further surveys will be required in order to select the 
best location for the road. 

Three ranges intersect the parallel of 32° between the Pecos and Rio Grande, — 
1st, the Guadalupe and Sacramento range ; 2d, Sierra Ilueco; and 3d, Mountains 
of El Paso or Sierras de los Organos. The two last are much broken, and in de- 
tached parts toward the south. The Organ Mountains are not crossed on either 
of the proposed lines, but turned at the point where the river breaks through and 
forms the Pass of the Rio Grande. The Guadalupe range is more Conspicuous, 
forming a break at latitude 31 deg. 50 mins., where there is an abrupt and precipi- 
tous cliff of columnar rock, upon vast limestone terraces, attaining a height of 1000 
to 1500 feet above its base, with a general elevation of several thousand feet above 
the plain. It can be seen at a great distance, owing to the clear and rarefied atmo- 
sphere of the country. • The face of this stupendous structure is perpendicular, and 
looks as if it had been shaped by some sudden and powerful convulsion of nature 
into the form of a largo edifice or church, from which we gave it the name of Cathe- 
dral Rock. Viewed from the deep gorge below, it is truly sublime and beautiful, 
its lofty peak towering to a great altitude and crowning the terminal point of an 
extensive range of mountains. At the foot of this cliff is one of the routes proposed 
for the Pacific Railway between the Pecos and the Rio Grande on the parallel of 32 
deg. To the southeast the mountains taper into butes or conical hills and spurs, 
forming depressions, which I have already referred to, near the parallel of 31J 
degrees. 

The Sierra Guadalupe is the commencement of the Rocky Mountains, the back- 
bone of the continent, and extension of the great " Sierra Madre" of Mexico. The 
Rio Pecos drains the eastern slope until it joins the Rio Grande, in latitude 29 deg. 
45 min., when the latter river, pursuing the same course, receives the waters from 
this side of the " Mother Mountain," until it discharges itself into the Gulf. The 
Rio Grande takes its rise west of this ridge, and flows south over the great table 
for eight degrees of latitude, when it turns abruptly, and breaks through to the 
oast, at the Great Canon, in latitude 29 deg.; thence it pursues a northward 
course till its junction with the Pecos. I have crossed the spur of the Sierra 



48 PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

Madre, separating the Pecos from the Rio Grande, at a point much farther south of 
my recent reconnoissance, at what is known as " Wild-Rose Pass," where the ele- 
vation is 5,765 feet. The altitude of the pass near the Guadalupe Peak is 4,896 
feet, some 869 feet lower, and a few hundred feet less than the lowest summit-pass 
west of the Rio Grande. The divide between the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific 
is north of Cook's Guadalupe Canon, nearly the same distance from the river 
that the Texas Guadalupe Pass is east of it. Thus, after crossing this first ridge, 
bordering the Pecos, we are fairly upon the great mesa or plateau of the continent, 
the most elevated table-land to be overcome on the whole route, having a width of 
6 degrees of longitude, at the parallel of 32. Intervening, there are various eleva- 
tions and depressions, but no uniform descent toward the Pacific. The nature of 
the country changes, before reaching the Rio Grande, into granitic and basaltic for- 
mations, as observed in the Organ Mountains, and volcanic rocks of the Jornado 
del Muerto near Val Verde; which characteristic continues westward to the Gulf of 
California. 

From the Pecos River to the Gviadalupe Mountains, a distance of 62 miles/ 
there will be an average ascending grade of 31 and two-tenths feet for thirty-five 
miles, and for 27 miles a rise of 45 and four-tenths feet per mile. Thence, by one 
or two practicable and easy curves round the south base of the peak, there will be 
for 7 miles a descent of 91 feet per mile, and for 15 miles to the level of the plain 
near Ojo del Cuervo, (Crow Spring,) a grade of 54 and seven-tenths feet per mile. 
Descending more to the northward by the slope of the mountain, lower grades may 
be obtained. There will be from the Pecos River, along Delaware Creek, several 
culverts and some rock-excavation, and at the curve of the Guadalupe Mountain 
considerable cutting and filling, possibly a short viaduct, the material necessary 
for the construction of which is found on the spot. 

From the Crow Spring to the Sierra de los Cornudos (Horn Mountain) there would 
be an ascending grade for 30 miles of 37 and four-tenths feet per mile. This sierra is 
named from a horn-like point at its eastern end, and it contains vast natural re- 
servoirs of good water. It is a small and isolated mountain of feldspathic charac- 
ter, similar to the Sierra de los Alamos, (Mountain of the Cottonwoods,) 9 miles 
farther west; to which there is an ascending grade of 35 and nine-tenths feet per 
mile. Thence to the Sierra Hueco, (Hollow Mountain,) 24 and a half miles, there 
is a descending grade of 10 and four-tenths feet only to the mile, the first 17 and a 
half miles very gently undulating, with an average rise of a few feet per mile; 
thence for 3 miles an ascent of 52 feet to the mile, and descent of 75.6 feet per mile for 
4 miles ; thence to the edge of Mesa bordering on Rio Gi'ande is a descending grade 
of 40 and four-fifths feet per mile for 13 miles, and for 8 miles over Mesa a descent of 
6 feet per mile ; thence, for 4 miles to river-bank, 50 feet per mile, depending upon 
the height of bridge necessary to cross the river. At the Hueco Mountain Pass there 
will be some rock-cutting and rough clearing, but nothing very objectionable. 
Should the route by the Guadalupe Peak be selected when the preliminary sur-_ 
veys for locating the road are made, then the line described from Mustang Springs 



PACIFIC RAILllOAD. 49 

to the Pecos River would follow nearly iin air-line west to the mouth of Delaware 
Creek. I am inclined to believe, however, that the route to the Rio (Jrande bj* San 
Elizario, and following the rich valley up to El Paso, will be considered most ex- 
pedient, avoiding the heavier grades and cutting through the Guadalupe and 
Hueco Mountains. 

In this SECTio.v there are vallej's and extensive plains, covered with the mczquite 
and grama grasses in great exuberance, and which retain tlicir nutritious qualities 
through winter and summer. Along the mountains and ravines are springs of ex- 
cellent water, and large timber, and, at the base of the Guadalupe Peak, pine and 
post-oak grow to a respectable size. The soil, too, though in many places, from salt 
ponds and springs, covered with a disagreeable efflorescent white substance, is of 
a dark rich loam a few inches below the surface, rendering it capable of great 
value as an extensive pasturage, as well as for horticultural purposes. 

An intelligent resident of Texas, in a publication some years ago, thus graphi- 
cally describes the country after ascending the plateau from the valley of the Pecos 
River: — "The face of this table-land is diversified by conical mounds and hills, 
many of which have timber on them. Standing far apart, thej' make no break of 
any importance in the valley, and offer no impediment to the procurement of a 
good level road. Bold running streams of pure clear water, whos3 banks are 
fringed with trees and shrubbery, presenting the appearance of pool, ripple and 
lake, now creeping through reeds, grass and flowers, and now tumbling from a 
ledge of rocks, giving to circumscribed spots scenery of wild and singular beauty, 
water the slope from the Sierra Guadalupe to the Pecos. 

'• This mountain lifts its head high above its neighbors. The southern end can 
be seen nearly 100 miles, and will be a great landmark for travellers. Large pine, 
Savin (Sabin?) oak and other trees cover its summit, sides and base. Granite, mar- 
ble, limestone and an immense amount of other stones are met with. 

" Specimens of the mineral ores are frequent. Taleose slate, with a trace of the 
black oxide of silver in it, can be seen cropping out from the sides of ravines and 
barancas." 

The valley of the Rio Grande in the vicinity of the 32d degree of latitude, and 
for 100 miles, is capable of sustaining a large and prosperous population. It grows 
fine wheat, corn, fruits and a variety of vegetables, all of the best quality, and is 
proverbial for producing excellent grapes, from which a native wine of very good 
quality is made. Some that we obtained at El Paso could not be excelled by that 
produced in California. There are between 15,000 and 20,000 Americans and Mexi- 
cans already in the neighborhood of El Paso, and the valley is highly cultivated, — 
for many miles a continuous garden, with fine apricots, peaches, pears, plums and 
various other fruits abounding. 

The length of the proposed railway from the eastern borders of Texas to the 
Rio Grande at El Paso is 783 miles. 

3 



50 PACIFIC RAILROAD. 



APPROXIMATE DISTANCES BY RAILWAY THROUGH TEXAS. 

From Boston to San Diego, California, 3,196 miles. 

" New York, " " 2,971 " 

« Norfolk, " " 2,824 « 

" Charleston, " " 2,599 " 

" Cincinnati, " " 2,371 " 

" Cliicago, " " 2,440 " 

" St. Louis, " " 2,121 « 

" Memphis, " " 1,923 " 

" New Orleans, " " 1,931 " 

" Galveston, " " 1,700 " 

" Matagorda Bay, " " 1,650 " 



fifteen hundred miles to any of the above places, and it will give the 
■whole distance from that point to San Francisco. 

Of the Country between the Llano Estacado and the Valley of the 

Red River. 

The space between the eastern base of the Staked Plain and the Red River, at the 
parallel of 34 degrees, is occupied by that portion of Northern Texas drained by the 
tributaries of the Colorado, the Brazos, the Trinity and the Red Rivers. With rapidly- 
increasing advantages as you proceed eastward from the Llano Estacado, this re- 
gion is well timbered, well watered, and possessed of a soil of extreme fertility, ca- 
pable of sustaining a dense population. The entire country is so gently undulating 
in its surface, and presents such an abundant and well-distributed supply of wood 
and water, that it can be traversed in any direction with trains of wagons, and is 
of so genial a climate that little choice of seasons is considered desirable in under- 
taking an expedition through it. A great portion of the timber of the region in- 
tersected by the Colorado and its tributaries along this route is the mezquite, which 
is about thirty feet in height and from six to ten inches in diameter, and divides about 
equally with the prairie-lands this entire district of country. The Brazos and 
its tributaries are better supplied with oak timber of a larger size ; the country is 
more undulating, and the water more abundant. Immense coal-beds, of good quality, 
crop out along the valley of the river, and every natural advantage of soil and cli- 
mate is offered to the emigrant. A military post (Fort Belknap) has been established 
upon this stream, near the 33d parallel. But by far the richest and most beautiful 
district of country I have ever seen, in Texas or elsewhere, is that watered by the 
Trinity and its tributaries. Occupying east and west a belt of one hundred miles 
in width, with about equal quantities of prairie and timber, intersected by nume- 
rous clear, fresh streams and countless springs, with a gently-undulating surface of 
prairie and oak-openings, it presents the most charming views, as of a country in 
the highest state of cultivation, and you are startled at the summit of each swell of 
the prairie with a prospect of groves, parks and forests, with intervening plains of 
luxuriant grass, over which the eye in vain wanders in search of the white village or 
the stately house which seems alone wanting to the scene.- 

The delusion was so perfect, and the recurrence of these charming views s 



FACTS FOR THE PEOPLE. 51 

constant, that every swell of the ground elicited from the party renewed expres- 
sions of surprise and admiration. 

It may seem strange that a region suggestive of such florid description should 
still remain so nearly uninhabited; but it must bo remembered that this part of 
Texas is yet but partially explored, that it is far from the markets, and that it is 
still infested by bands of hostile Indians. A full knowledge of its startling beauty 
and of its amazing fertility, and the construction of facilities of communication with 
a market, will soon convert this charming region into a reality, of which nature has 
exhibited so beautiful a presentment. 

APPUOXIMATE ELEVATION OF IMPORTANT POINTS IN THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED 
ROUTE TO THE PACIFIC, DETERMINED BAROMETRICALLY. 

Names of Places. Height above the Sea. 

Fort Chadbournc, Texas, in lat. 32 d. 1 ra. tn s. - - - lCu7 

Mustang Springs, lat. .32 d. -it m. Eastern Edge of the Llano Estacado, 1982 

Summit of Llano Estacado, ---... 2995 

Rio Pecos, lat. 31 d. 45 m. -.--.. 2497 

East base Guadalupe Mountains, Summit Pass, lat. 31 d. 50 m. - 4897 

Ojo del Cuervo, (Crow Spring,) - - - - . 2669 

Sierra de los Cornudos, (Horn Mountain,) - - - - ' 4480 

Foot of Sierra de los Alamos, ----- - 4804 

Summit of the Hueco Mountain Pass, - - . - 4549 

Rio (irande at Hart's iMills, El Paso, ----- 3725 

Ranch of Frontera, Rio Grande, ----- 3800 



CIVILIAN AND GAZETTE . 

We are indebted to the Civilian and Gazette, published at the city of Galveston, 
for the following article. The Civilian and Gazette is one of the oldest Democratic 
papers published in Texas, having reached its nineteenth volume. It is published 
semi-weekly at six dollars per annum, and weekly at three dollars per annum, by 
Stuart, Durnett and Brown, men well known for their talent and industry. Mr. 
Stuart made one of the most efficient chairmen of the Finance Committee while a 
member of the Legislature some years ago; while at the last session Mr. Brown ac- 
quitted himself with much abilitj' and was one of the leading members of the Ilouse 
of Representatives ; Mr. Durnett has been Grand Master of the Odd-Fellows of the 
State of Texas. This paper is one of the oldest in the State, and has a large and 
increasing circulation. 

FACTS FOR THE PEOPLE. 

The coast counties, extending about one hundred miles from the Gulf, are pe- 
culiarly adapted to tropical productions ; the sugarcane, orange, sea-island cotton, 
and, to the extreme southwest, coffee, it is believed, would do well. The atmo- 
sphere of this region is tempered by the Gulf Stream and rcn<lered salubrious by 
its chlorine properties. The inhabitants exhibit the appearance of mountain 
health. Beyond this section, to the 32d degree of latitude, is the cotton-region. Al 



52 FACTS FOR THE PEOPLE. 

though, as yet, the settlers are comparatively sparse aud the crop has been cut 
short this j'ear, it gives an impetus to commerce which is felt along the coast. 
This region admits of a dense population. Experience has proved that sea-island 
cotton will flourish here also, and its production is found to be highly profitable. 
Corn grows well, and small grain is raised to supply partially the domestic want, 
but north of 32° is the choice region of the cereals. Both soil and climate seem 
peculiarly adapted to them ; the soil of the prairie counties being a deep black, 
based upon a calcareous formation. The prairies are occasionally diversified with 
groves of timber. 

The prairie farmer clears as much land as he can cultivate with improved ma- 
chinery, puts it in order early in the fall, and sows his small grain. His time he 
then has to devote to other crops until harvest, often making half a crop of cotton 
with a full one of wheat. AVith the improved mower and reaper he sweeps 
through twenty acres per day, followed by the binders, tiers and stackers. The 
harvest is finished in a few days, and, when convenient, hauled to the barn, to 
be threshed by horse-power during wet and spare days, with the same speed as 
mowed. They have mowers and reapers that cut aud clean for the mill in the 
field; but they are not generally approved, as the grain is not in the best condition 
for threshing when first mowed. From three to six hundred bushels per hand 
can be made by an enterprising farmer, and sells at about $1 per bushel. Ander- 
son, Freestone, Limestone, Navarro and a portion of McLennan counties have 
raised large quantities of wheat this season. Hill, Ellis, Tarrant, Kaufman, 
Collin, Fannin, Hunt and all the prairie counties south of Red River are large 
producers for the market. Dallas is the great central depot of this valuable pro- 
duction, superior to any in the Union. Sixty pounds to the bushel, I believe, is 
the mercantile estimate, but it weighs hei-e 72 pounds. Many fine mills are already 
in operation, and there is room for many more. Judges pronounce the flour equal 
to the best produced in the Union. It is packed in Lowell sacks of about 100 lbs. 
each, for convenience of transportation, and sold at S3 per 100 usually, but this 
season, in consequence of the increased demand and a large Government contract, 
it has run up to $-4, and may be still higher. It is transported to the Southern 
counties in wagons, for the use of merchants, or peddled out on the road for gro- 
cei'ies, lumber, tar, ifec. I supjiose five hundred or more wagons are engaged in 
this trade. 

This wagon-business is a great institution in Texas. His wagon is the home of 
the driver ; his oxen feed on the grass, he eats and sleeps at home. Time is no 
object. He penetrates the most remote parts of the State, for a consideration, if 
he can get loaded; if not, he loads himself. He is free as air, and cares for no- 
body. These men form a class of themselves, but, with their useful branch of in- 
dustry, are destined to fade away (like the old bargemen of the Mississippi River) 
when the snort of the iron horse shall awaken the solitude of the prairies. 

This wheat-enterprise, I think, from the increased cultivation, will the coming 
season furnish all the lower counties of Texas with flour, and you should not b« 



FACTS FOR THE PEOPLE. 83 

surprised, on some mornin";, to find a pile of these white sacks, with their whiter 
o.intcnts castin;; your best extra iu the shade, on some of your wharves. 

The varied productions of Texas need facilities to give a still further impulse 
t«i outcrpriso. First of all, navigation is within their immediate reach. All the 
counties have made the necessary arrangements to avail themselves of the 
State appropriation, I have been told. The tributaries of the Ohio, watering that 
vast vallcj'^, are but little if any better than ours. The upper waters of the Trinity 
head in this wheat-region, and, from the large size of their channels, would seem 
navigable at high water for flat-boats. 

A change iu navigation will have to be effected. Steamers that cross the bay 
will not venture high up these streams, for fear of being caught by low water 
and losing a season's business. Flats, keels, steam-tugs, &c., can take out all tho 
produce when the waters are up. The iron horse will come to the rescue in time. 
The Texas Central, Houston and Red River Railroad is in progress of construction, 
with active exertions that give assurance that it will be completed in due time. It 
will penetrate this region of wheat to Dallas. The Galveston, Houston and 
Henderson road is also in progress, and will be of equal, or greater, importance, — 
passing through the best-tilled cotton-region of Texas to the northeast corner of 
the State, intersecting several important roads, from Illinois, Missouri, Chicago, 
Shreveport, Vicksburg, the great Atlantic and Pacific Railway, the largest in tho 
world, and the Harrisburg road, nearly central between the sugar and cotton 
region of the largest body of rich land in Tex^s, to San Antonio. The Matagorda 
road, from Indianola and Lavaca, penetrates the rich section between the Guada- 
lupe and Colorado, by way of Victoria, to San Antonio, to bring the valuable pro- 
ducts of this fertile region to these seaport towns. These roads are necessary to 
develop the industrial resources of Te.xas, and will bo built. Another facility, 
superior to either of the above, should not bo neglected, — tho chain of bays, 
lakes, baj'ous and lagoons running along nearly the entire coast from the Rio 
Grande to the Sabine, with a trifling outlay compared with tho magnitude of the 
object, as they include the estuaries of all our rivers, centring at Galveston. 
This is a great work, in which Galveston is deeply interested. It belongs to her 
as well as the whole State. Their future progress are inseparably connected, as 
have been their past history, hopes and fears. All States are proud of their com- 
mercial emporiums, and Texas might justly be proud of the Queen City of tho 
Gulf, her convenient harbor, the salubrity of tho climate and the beauty of the 
prospect. As you approach, a scene almost of enchantment presents itself to view 
amidst the mirage of the waters, — a city rising from their midst with its steepled 
domes and tropical verdure ; and the aroma of a thousand flowers is wafted on 
tho breeze, while tho balmy au-s of the Gulf give health, vigor and pleasure. 
Here the epicure may indulge the vagaries of the most fastidious appetite in fish, 
flesh, fowl, vegetables and fruits, the poet in tho wildest flights of fancy, and 
the historian in the romantic reality of her early history. 



54 SHEEP-RAISIXG IN TEXAS. 

TEXAS CATTLB. 

It is now very common to find Texas cattle quoted in the markets of the 
North, especially of New York. We recently observed that one lot of 146 head 
from Texas, which was a very fair lot, sold by 'Mr. Aynault at from 9 1-2 to 10 
cents per lb. Now, our farmers can make fortunes at three cents per lb. They 
can sell every beef they raise in St. Louis for six cents per lb., without further 
fattening. There these cattle are bought and fattened for New York and other 
markets. An industrious man in Western Texas can make more in raising cattle 
than any cotton-planter in the South. Three years ago, two young men of our 
acquaintance commenced a ranch of 400 head of cattle, and a few weeks ago 
we learned from one of them that they now had 800 head, — ^just double. How 
many men in that time have doubled their capital at any other pursuit ? These men 
did this, notwithstanding the hard winter of last year. On the San Saba the grass is 
very fine and is admirably adapted for gi-azing; and by judiciously locating a ranch 
and with unremitting personal attention, there is scarcely any season that a grazier 
will not make more than the planter, while as a general thing he will make a great 
deal more improportion to capital invested. For ranching, this AVestern country 
is the best in the State. One fact that always attracts the attention of graziers from 
the older States is the early maturity of our cattle and the immense size and power 

of our oxen. 

— -»-frM##<H-»- — 

SHEEP-RAISING IN TEXAS 

Is one of the most profitable occupations that a prudent and careful farmer can 
engage in, for none but the industrious and prudent man ought to engage in this 
business, because to make it advantageous it requires attention, — strict attention} 
but that attention can be bestowed upon it by such members of the family as are in- 
capable of the ordinary hard labor of the farm. The description of sheep best 
calculated for our climate is the Merino stock, which can be improved by judicious 
crossing, and by that means we will be enabled to produce the finest of wool. The 
most of our stock is at present the native Mexican sheep, improved, however, by 
crossing; and wool produced by them generally realizes about twenty-five cents per 
pound in an unwashed state. The mountainous districts of our State have proved 
themselves most admirably adapted to the raising of sheep. There is one point, 
however, that those who endeavor to raise sheep on our rich mezquite prairie-lands 
must guard against, and that is over-feeding. In the neighborhood of Seguin we 
had a flock of about three hundred sheep, which looked in fine health, and were 
very fat. They commenced dying, two or three each day, and to our surprise we 
found it was those that were in the very best order that died so suddenly. In 
such cases medical aid was of no avail; but, thanks to Colonel Clarke L. Owen, of 
Texaua, we found a remedy, and after the first week we did not lose a single ani- 
mal. It was simply to keep them in the pen until 10 o'clock A.M., and to be sure 
and pen thenj again by 5 P.M., the sole cause of their mortality having been 



FARMING IN TEXAS. '. 55 

over-feoding; our pastures, being very rich, had iiroduccd in them a fatal species of 
dyspepsia. 

A friend cngageil in sliecp and stock raising has Idiidly furnished us witli tho 
fdllo^ving as the result of his first j'car's experience as regards 
A STOCK AND SHEEP FARM. 

Cost of If.O acres of land at $2 ;"iO per acre $400 

" Fencing and breaking 50 acres 600 

" Horses or nmles necessary for working 200 

" Oxen and farming-tools ooO 

" A house suitable for a prudent small farmer 500 

" Furniture necessary for family comfort 250 

" 1000 licad of Mexican sheep and half-breeds at $2 each 2000 

" Full-blooded rams, about 500 

" 200 head of stock-cattle at $7 1400 

" AVages of two farm-hands 500 

" Wages of two shepherds 400 

" Interest at 10 per cent, per annum, say .' 700 $7S00 

AT THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR HE SOLD 

" 26 cows at$18 each 408 

" 5 yoke of oxen 250 

" 13 beef cattle 219 

" 800 Improved-breed lambs at $4 each 3200 

" 1600 lbs. wool at 20 cts. per lb 320 $4417 

Where is there a country or a business that will pay a better percentage than 
this? although it is not every emigrant that can make such a large investment as 
the above. Yet even on a more moderate scale stock and sheep raising will be 
found to be a very profitable business, particularly if parties are satisfied with the 
proceeds that can be realized from the sale of the surplus male cattle, and add to 
their stock year by year the female portion of their increase: the result — from no 
matter how small a beginning — would be almost incredible, at the end of ten 
years, to a person unacquainted with Texas. 

To show that every small farmer ought to endeavor to raise a stock of sheep, wo 
give the experience of Mr. Thomas McGee, which is as follows : — A friend sent one 
of his children in 1847, as a present, a ram and ewe lamb, and in 1850 another ewe 
lamb was given her. In the spring of the j'car 1856, their stock consisted of 34 
sheep, and they had used in that time TEX ; besides this, several lambs were killed 
through negligence by the hogs and dogs; otherwise there was but one, the old 
ewe, that died during the whole period. There is no doubt that tho wool amply 
repaid them for all their trouble. 

TO FARMERS. 

There is no portion of the continent of America where Indian corn can be raised 
80 readily as in Western Texas ; and the fact is, that so easily have some of our 
farmers realized a fair yield on the black soil of Western Texas, that few, verj* few, 
have really made a proper effort to treat mother-earth with any degree of fairness, 
by properly preparing tho laud before planting. Experience has fully established tho 



56 FARMING IN TEXAS, 

fact fhat the proper mocle of proceeding witli onr prairie-lands is first to plough 
very shallow ; the shallower the turf is broken, provided the roots of the grass are 
cut, the better, because, by their exposure to the sun and air, they soon rot, and 
thus enrich the land ; besides which, the second ploughing, which should be deep, 
can be done by the same team, and to a greater depth, leaving the land in a better 
situation for the harrow, for it is important to have the land well harrowed. Let 
it be borne in mind that if the ground is well prepared by deep ploughing, 
nay, subsoiling, where time will permit, and deep planting, the crop is more than 
half made when its put in. In its after-cultivation, the wing scraper, or culti- 
vator, should only be used, all of which should be done as lightly or shallow as pos- 
sible, for such is the character and nature of our rich lands that our corn-plants 
throw out fewer roots than they do in the Northern States. We have no spare roots 
to cut in cultivation; besides which, the winds are from the south in the spring 
of the year and also nearly the whole of the summer, and are of a very drying 
character, and the moisture will soon be dissipated from that portion of the soil 
that is not deeply ploughed. 

Corn should be planted in such a manner that there should be between six 
and seven thousand stalk on an acre, — not more; because the growth of the stalk 
leaves it far more luxuriant with us than in the North. 

We would most seriously caution our friends from following the bad example of 
letting their fences down and allowing their stock to nin over their fields through 
the winter, whereby their constant tramping makes the ground as hard as that of a 
brick-yard. The soil on our prairies is generally from three to four feet deep, 
giving our lands decided advantages, which cause them to produce almost incre- 
dibly large crops, and that too with less labor than is necessary in any other country; 
but it must be observed that it is best to plant early, say from the 20th February 
to about the middle of March, although in many instances good crops have been 
made when planted as late as the 20th of April. All that is required is twice working 
over with the scraper or cultivator, and once chopping over with the hoe, to make 
a crop. A single hand can cultivate from twenty-five to thirty acres more easily in 
Texas than he can eighteen to twenty acres in the older States; and the thorough 
farmer will generally have his corn-crop made before the extreme hot weather, thus 
giving his hands an opportunitj' of doing a large amount of work during the balance 
of the year. 

The SWEET POTATO is raised with little or no labor, when planted on new ground, 
producing a first-quality article and in great abundance. They are mostlj' planted 
from the draw, which, with ordinary care, can be commenced early in April ; aud 
you may continue to plant the draws and vines until the first of August. 

Millet should be sown early in March : this article is esteemed one of the very 
best for feeding horses, oxen, railch-cows and sheep during the winter months. 
Peas should be planted early in May. 

No country this side of California can beat us in the production of Titr\ips; and, 
with ordinary care, "the madam" can raise all kinds of vegetables in the greatest 



FARMING IX TEXAS. 57 

perfection ; vines grow with uncommon rapitlitj', and in many instances our melons 
anil pumpkins attjiiu such a size that " madam" is forced to call in Sambo to 
convey them to the house for use. As yet but little has been done in the way of 
orchards, but some few farmers have raised Peachks in abundance and of largo 
size and fine flavor : the writer of this has raised them in the city of Houston to 
measure nine and a half inches in circumference, and to weigli nine and one-quar- 
ter ounces. Grapks grow well, and both the wild and cultivated varieties produce 
abundantly. The Fig tree is easily raised, and bears an immense quantity of dc- 
liciously-flavorcd fruit. 

Besides these, we can plant Cotton earlier than in mo^t other portions of the 
cotton-region. It is not so subject to casualties as that of other States, and comes 
to perfection much earlier in the season. 

To the eye of the stranger, particularly those from Georgia and Alabama, it ap- 
pears that Texas is deficient iu timber, but on settling in this country they soon 
find that their eyes were larger than their wants; besides, we have admirable build- 
ing-stone in almost every portion of Northern and Western Texas. 

As regards the cultivation of wheat, the upper portion of Texas may be empha- 
tically considered as a wheat-growing country, and is admirably adai)ted for that 
purpose. We have not the necessary data to estimate the crop of 1857; but it 
is larger than that of 1856, — the product of sixty counties in that year having been 
estimated at 1,438,212 bushels. 

A number of the counties produce very heavy crops, viz.: Burnet, 10,000, 
Cass, 28,000, Cherokee, 20,000, Collin, 130,000, Gooke, 20,000, Coryell, 15,000, 
Dallas, 120,000, Denton, 10,000, Ellis, 50,000, El Paso, 100,000, Fannin, 125,000, 
Grayson, 100,000, Henderson, 25,000, Hill, 20,000, Hopkins, 50,000, Hunt, 55,000, 
Johnson, 30,000, Kaufman, 60,000, Lamar, 100,000, McLennan, 30,000, Navarro, 
30,000, Red River, 100,000, Tarrant, 40,000, Upshur, 20,000, and Williamson, 25,000, 
or 1,313,000 bushels in twenty-five counties alone. The citizens of Collin are 
furnishing the United States Government at Fort Washita with flour at the low 
rate of $2 75 per cwt., or at about $5 50 per barrel. New wheat, last year, sold 
for fifty cents per bushel and under. This is a clear loss to the farmers of one dol- 
lar per bushel on every bushel, merely for the want of a railroad to reach a market. 

By the above statement — which wc have no doubt, from the respectability of 
the source from whence it has been obtained, is a true statement of the i^roduclion 
of wheat in the State of Texas for 1856 — it is plainly shown that the want of rail- 
roads in Texas has been a clear loss to the wheat-growing portion of our State 
of over ONE MILLION OF DOLLARS, a sum amply sufficient to build FIFTY 
MILES of railroad. Such being the case, (which no one can controvert,) we are 
naturally led to inquire, why does this state of things exist ? It certniiily is not 
the fault of our Legislature, for they have granted iiinuTnerable charters (perhaps 
too many) and endowed them with mnnilicent grants of lands, which if judiiijusly 
located may in after-years not only repay the entire cost of constructing these 
roads and keeping them in repair, but be also a source of immense profit to the 

3* 



58 FARMING IN TEXAS. 

stockholders, which with the earnings of the road will enable them to declare 
such enormous dividends as will astonish all who have not thoroughly investi- 
gated this subject. If such be the case, (which it really is,) whose fault is it that 
the immense loss should fall upon the wheat-growers of our State? The answer must 
bo, clearly. They themselves, the farmers of Texas, who, from recklessness, supine- 
ness or want of forethought, have neglected to put their own shoulders to the 
wheel and thus advance the cause of internal improvement. What has been lost, 
it is true, cannot now be recovered; but it behooves us to profit by this lesson : severe 
as it has been, it may prove salutary, and it is by concert of action, and that only, 
we can avert similar and even greater losses each succeeding year. Let each farmer 
go forward and subscribe to one of the main-trunk railways as much as he can afford. 
Let him calculate what amount of wheat he anticipates raising the ensuing year, 
and for every bushel let him subscribe for one dollar's worth of stock, and pay down 
the first instalment. Let this be done at once, so that the railwaj' may be put under 
contract, so as to enable them to finish as much as possible by the time the next 
crop is ready for market, and we feel satisfied that this will ultimately prove the 
very best investment that he can possibly make. 

It is ftiir to infer, from the immense immigration that is now pouring into the wheat- 
growing counties, the extra lands that the older farmers are bringing into cultiva- 
tion, and the increased facilities aSForded them by the recent introduction of im- 
proved laboi'-saving machinery in sowing, reaping and threshing of their grain, 
that the next year's crop will be increased at least fifty per cent. Let us see for a 
moment what would be the result if our advice was acted upon. Estimating that 
our railroads can be put in running order at $20,000 per mile, $1,500,000 would 
build 75 miles of road : on this they can borrow of the State $6000 per mile, which 
would build 22i miles more ; and thus they could progress. 

Could we not with this begin to afford to bring our wheat to market ? Undoubtedly 
we could, for if this road be made through the lower country the worst portion 
of the present route would be provided for, and it would not be long before we would 
be compelled to use our ox-teams in the upper portion of Texas. So great 
would be the earnings of our railroad, that instead of our being forced to go 
abroad to obtain a small amount of capital to commence our railway undertaking, 
we would have an influx of Northern and European capital flowing into our 
country, anxious to be invested in such sure, safe and profitable undertakings. 

If the FARMERS of Texas can do all this, what could be accomplished if the 
PLANTERS would lend their aid ? We leave our citizens to draw their own con- 
clusions. Let it be borne in mind that all that is necessary to carry out this great 
enterprise — one of vital importance to Texas — is concert of action. Let us all put 
our shoulders to the wheel and give a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all to- 
gether, and then there will be no occasion to call upon Hercules to help us pull 
our wa;::on out of the mire. 



THE OLD-SCnOOL PRESBYTERIANS. 59 

RELIGIOUS EENCmiNATIONS. 

Wo did intend to give a detailed account of the different denominations in 
Texas, and sincerely regret that we have not been able to give a detailed history 
of the Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist and other denominations, in con- 
sequence of our inability to procure a sufficient amount of Veliablo information. 
In our second edition we hope to be able to supply this deficiency. 
THE OLD-SCHOOL PRESBYTERIANS. 

The Old-School Presbyterian Church in Texas consists of one S3'nod, called tho 
Synod of Texas, composed of four Presbj'terics, viz. : — the Brazos Presbytery, 
organized on the 3d day of April, 1840, and divided in 1850, when the Eastern 
Presbytery and the Western Presbytery were set off, and in 1857 the Synod was 
organized at the city of Austin. In 1854 the Brazos Presbytery was again divided 
and the Central Presbytery created. This Synod consists of FORTY-THREE 
MINISTERS, FIFTY-THREE CHURCHES and ONE THOUSAND TWO 
HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE meiiibcrs. 

List of the Ministers and their Post-Offices. 

BRAZOS PRESBYTERY. 
M. C. Conoly, Columbia Post-Offiee. 
A. Fairbairue, Houston, Harris County, 
D. iMcNair, Galveston, Galveston County, 
P. H. Fullinwider, Iluntsville, Walker County, 
D. Baker, D.D., Iluntsville, Walker County. 
Professor A. E. Thorn, Huntsville, Walker County, 
AV. C. Sommerville, Huntsville, Walker County, 
J. W. Miller, Gay Hill Post Office, AVashington County, 
Joseph Boone, La Grange, Fayette County, 
N. A. Penland, Woodviile, W. W. Sharpe, Abbeville. 

EASTERN TEXAS PRESBYTERY. 
P. H. AVarriner, New Danville Post-Office, 
R. II. Bycrs, Henderson, Rusk County, 
John Bell, Larissa, Cherokee County, 
R. M. J. A\^illacc, Jefferson, Cass County, 
A. J. Loughbridgc, San Augustine, San Augustine County, 
AV. C. Rice, Palestine, .\nderson County, 
J. D. Shar]ie, Alto, Cherokee Countv, 
AV. K. Marsliall, Rusk, Cherokee County, 
R. F. Taylor, Dallas, Dallas County, 
John Anderson, Clarksville, Red River County. 

AA'ESTERN TEXAS PRESBYTERY. 
AA'. C. Blair, Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, 
James AVallis, Concrete Post-Officc, Gonzales County, 
John M. AVilson, Seguin, Guadalupe County, 
AA'. A. Smith, Lockhart, Caldwell County, 
N. P. Chariot. Lockhart, Caldwell Coun'ty, 
11. Chamberlain, Brownsville, Cameron County, 
J. M. Connelly, Clinton, De AVitt County, 
J. M. Cochran, A^ictoria, Victoria County 



60 



THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



Joe! T. Cas3, Victoria, Victoria County, 
J. McCoy, Post Oak, Bexar County, 
R. F. Bunting, San Antonio, Bexar County, 
E. Graves, San Antonio, Bexar County. 

CENTRAL PRESBYTERY. 

H. Wilson, Prospect Post-Office, Burleson County, 

J. F. Balch, Cotton Gin, Freestone County, 

M. Dickson, Milford, Anderson County, 

W. M. Baker, Austin, Travis County, 

L. Tenny, Carolina, Walker County, 

R. M. Overstreet, Georgetown, Williamson County, 

T. Alexander, Waco, McLennan County. 

The literary institutions under their control are Austin College, at Huntsville, 
(_^^*See Walker County,) Live Oak Female Seminary, (^^^^See Washington 
County,) and Aranama College, at Goliad, (^^®^See Goliad Count}'.) 
CHURCHES ARE FOUND AT 



Galveston, 

Houston, 

Columbia, 

Huntsville, 

Danville, 

Centreville, 

Concord, 

Washington, 

Gay Hill, 

New Danville, 

Concrete. 

Elysian Fields, 

Henderson, 



Jefferson, 

Green Springs, 

Hickory Hill, 

Seguin, 

St. Augustine, 

Palestine, 

Larissa, 

Alto, 

Church Hill, 

Rusk, 

Dallas, 

Green Lake, 

Indianola, 



The First Presbj-terian Church was or 
Rev. H. Wilson. 



Seguin, 

Lockhart, 

Birdsville, 

Live Oak, 

Victoria, 

Goliad, 

Cibolo, 

San Antonio, 

Gonzales, 

Lavaca, 

Eethanj', 

Texana, 

Cedar Creek, 

"anized at San Aui 



String Prairie, 
Oak Island, 
Chambers' Creek, 
Milford, 
Austin, 
Carolina, 
Georgetown, 
McLennan County, 
La Grange, 
Round Top, 
Blue Ridge, 
Columbus, 
Belmont, 
■ustiue, in 1838, by the 



THE CUmSERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

As early as 1827, Sumner Bacon, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, settled in Texas, which was then a part of the Mexican Government. 
Having received a Bible agency soon after he arrived, he travelled for years, lec- 
turing and distributing Bibles among the people. He met with many diflSculties, 
but his indomitable energy enabled him to overcome them all. It is believed 
that he was the first man who circulated Protestant information west of the 
Brazos River, and in many other parts of Te.xas. A few years after his arrival 
in the country, he returned to the United States and was ordained to the ministry. 
Up to the date of declaration of Texian Independence, Protestants were not per- 
mitted to organize congregations or preach the gospel, religious liberty having 
been unknown in this country until Texas had thrown off the shackles that 
had bound her to Mexico. 

In the summer of 1836, soon after Texas had declared herself an independent 
nation, Mr. Bacon established the first congregation ever organized in Texas, in 



THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 61 

San Augustine county, eight miles south of the town of San Augustine, although 
as early as lSo2. Rev. Milton Estill organized a congregation in what is now 
known as Red River county, Texas. The territory was at that time claimed by 
the State of Arkansas, and embraced in Miller county. It was not long until a 
congregation was organized in Nacogdoches and perhaps other places. The same 
fall (1S36) he attended the Mississippi Synod, and had a resolution passed grant- 
ing him the authority of calling a Presbyterj' as soon as three ordained ministers 
could be had in Texas. 

In the spring of 1831, the Rev. Amos Roark came to the country, and labored 
for several years as an evangelist, collecting the scattered members together. The 
same fall he organized a congregation on Jlill Creek, in Austin county, at the bouse 
of James Duff, who had formerly been a member of the Church in Tennessee. By 
this time, Rev. Mitchcl Smith had emigrated to San Augustine. Mr. Roark, being 
informed of the fact, returned from the western portion of the country to the east 
for the purpose of assisting in the organization of the Texas Presbytery. Late in 
the fall, or early in the winter, said Presbytery was organized, five miles east of 
San Augustine, at the house of the Rev. S. Bacon. The Revs. Sumner Bacon, Amos 
Roark and Mitchel Smith organized the Presbytery. Jlr. Roark was appointed by 
the Presbytery to attend the General Assembly the next spring, which he did. This 
Assembly appointed Rev. Samuel Wiley Frazicr as missionary, to spend two years 
missionating in this countrj-, at the expiration of which time he was to return and 
report to the General Assembly. He entered Texas near Clarksvillc, in company 
with Rev. A. Roark, and labored extensively, to the satisfaction of the people wher- 
ever he went. In the fall or winter, he died in the city of Houston, while acting as 
chaplain of the Senate. The immigration to the country was great for a few years, 
but few ministers of the Church came with them, and the low that did immigrate 
were unable to labor extensively. They were men of limited means ; and, the 
Church being weak, and settling in the wilderness, and frequently broken up by 
Indian or Mexican depredations, they were not able to assist the ministry. How- 
ever, the Church increased as rapidly as could have been expected under the cir- 
cumstances. About this time, a spirit existed among the ministry and membership 
in favor of a church-organization independent of the Church in the United States. 
It was thought by the advocates of this policy that, as we lived under an independ- 
ent government, we should have an independent church-organization. It was also 
urged that, owing to our remote location, it would be impossible to attend the As- 
sembly; hence but little union of feeling would exist between the Church in the 
United States and that in the Republic of Texas. 

In the spring of 18-10, the Presbytery met in the church near Nacogdoches, in 
Rev. R. 0. Watkins's neighborhood. Several visiting ministers were present on the 
occasion. The subject of an independent organization was the engrossing topic, — 
one in which much feeling was manifested. The measure was opposed by two 
ministers, Revs. A. Roark and Robert Gilkison. All the other ministers and 
elders were in favor of an independent organization. A licentiate was opposed to 



62 THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

the measure, but of course had no vote in the Presbytery. Finall_Y, a resolution 
was offered and passed, requesting the Mississippi Synod to rescind the order 
creating the Presbytery. It was thought that to go into an independent organiza- 
tion, without pursuing the course above named, would exhibit a refractoi-y spirit, 
which would exert a bad influence on the Church in the United States. The 
Texas Presbytery met, we think, at Fort Houston, now Anderson county, to con- 
summate the organization. From some cause unknown to the writer, it was post-* 
poned. It was again postponed in the spring of 1841. By this time, the Rev. 
Samuel Corley, now favorably known throughout the Church, had come to the 
country and located near Clarksville, Red River county. He and the congrega- 
tions in the Red River section of country were opposed to the separate organiza- 
tion. In ISil, Revs. John M. Foster and Finis E. Foster came to the country to 
reside permanently. 

In the fall of 1841, the Presbytery met at Melrose, in Nacogdoches county, 
near Rev. Milton Moore's. At this Presbytery the subject of an independent or- 
ganization was indefinitely postponed. An order was passed at the same Presby- 
tery requesting, the Mississippi Sj'nod to divide the Presbytei'y into three Presby- 
teries, and requesting the General Assembly to establish the Texas Sj'nod. We 
should have stated that the Rev. James McDonald was one of the first ministers 
to the country, and acted a prominent part in the early history of the Church. 
The Western or Colorado Presbytery held its first session in a school-room in 
Capt. Chrisman's neighborhood on the Yegua River, in Washington county. By 
this time several congregations had been organized on the Colorado and the Gua- 
dalupe Rivers, and flourishing congregations had been established in the Red 
River country as well as Eastern Texas. In the fall of 1843, the Texas Synod 
held its first session, near Nacogdoches. Prior to this period, camp-meetings had 
been held with much success. The Synod struggled for several years for existence, 
as but few ministers for some years came to the country, and several of those 
who did come died. From the unsettled state of the countrj', the ministers 
labored under many diflSculties. In 1844, an appeal was made to the Church for 
help, by an authorized agent despatched from Texas. Several Presbyteries re- 
sponded to this call, and other ministers came on their own responsibility. Rev. 
S. F. Donnell was aided by Lebanon Presbytery in coming to Texas, and the Rev. 
T. N. McKee by the Elk Presbytery. These missionaries labored faithfully and 
with success for several years, — Rev. S. F. Donnell in the Red River section of 
the countrjf, and Rev. T. N. McKee on the Guadalupe River. In the fall of 1846, 
the specimen number of the Texas Presbyterian was presented to the Texas Sy- 
nod, and the enterprise warmly recommended by the General Assembly. In the 
fall of 1847, the Synod, while sitting at Crockett, Houston county, appointed 
Rev. James Sampson to missionate in Harrison county and that portion of the 
country. He did so, with great success. In the fall of 1848, the Synod met at 
Marshall. During this session, a resolution was passed requesting the Assembly 
to divide the Synod, granting a Western Synod, to be known by the name of the 



THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 63 

Bra70s Synod. Tlio new Synod met in the town of Huntsville, "Walker county, 
in 1849. By this time other ministers had come to Texas. Among some of the 
older members of the Brazos and Texas Synods was the Rev. Henry Renick. Seve- 
ral new Presbyteries had been organized, and many ministers had come to the coun- 
try, through whose instrumentalitj- a number of congregations had been formed. 
Chapell Hill College, at Daingerfield, Titus county, had been established by the 
Marshall Presbytery. In 1853, a resolution was passed by the Brazos Synod 
creating several new Presbyteries and requesting the Assembly to divide Brazos 
Synod and grant a new Synod, which was done in the spring of 1854. The new 
Synod met at Colorado in the fall of 1855. Several new Presbyteries have been 
organized in the bounds of the Texas Synod. The Towacana Presbytery has 
been divided, and a new Presbyterj' formed in Brazos Synod. It may be proper 
to state that the Board of Missions aided several ministers to come to the country 
in 1847. Those alluded to Avere the Revs. Robert Waters Iludiburg and J. C. 
Matthews. In 1853, the Rev. E. B. Clirisman was appointed by the Board to come 
to Texas and locate in the city of Austin. 

There are several schools now in successful operation. Chapell Hill College is 
the oldest and perhaps the most prosperous. The Larissa Male and Female College, 
located in Cherokee county, is under the patronage of the Brazos Synod. A 
female school Las boon located, and is in successful operation, at Paris, Lamar 
county, under the patronage of the Red River Presbytery. The Colorado Presby- 
tery has made some efforts to establish a Presbj-terian school at La Grange, 
Fayette county, but, from some cause, has not succeeded so well as might bo de- 
sired by the friends of learning. The Texas Presbyterian, a religious newspaper 
published at the town of Huntsville, in Walker county, on every Saturday, at three 
dollars per annum, was first issued in 1846, and has been sustained through diffi- 
culties whiL-h would have overcome most men. Much credit is due the proprietor, 
Rev. A. J. McGowcn, for his zeal and energy. To him we are indebted for 
the above facts relating to this Church. Not having the statistics of the Church 
in Texas, we state that there are three Sj'nods, eleven or twelve Presbyteries, one 
hundred and fifty ministers, ordained and licentiates, and about seven thousand 
comuuinicunts. 

The following are the names and residences of a portion of the ministers of this 
denomination : — 

Huntsville. Walker Count}', Rev. A. J. McGowen. 

Prairie Lea. Uev. J. Goble. 

Anderson, Grimes Count}-, Rev. T. H. Hardwick. 

Crockett. Houston County. Rev. T. L. Richards, J. W. Smith and M. Thompson. 

Palestine, Anderson County, Rev. A. 8. Hayler. 

Cherino, Nacogdoches County, Rev. J. C. Barrett. 

Rusk, Cherokee County, Rev. A. ,1. Coiiland and M. Priest. 

Larissa, Cherokee County, Rev. J. B. Harris, F. S. Yoakum, T. N. McKec, John 
McKee and J. B. Rentfro. 

Jacksonville, Washington County, Rev. George Patton. 

Homes Post-Officc, Walker County, Rev. Samuel Harris and T. Reutor. 



64 THE JEWISH DENOMINATION. 

Knoxville, Rev. W. P. Henry. 

Henderson, Husk County, Rev. T). C. Nevils, Y. Hamilton and W. Hatch. ^ 

Cartilage, Panola County, Rev. M. Smith. 

Marshall, Harrison County, T. B. Wilson and Benjamin Spencer. 

Jefferson, Coss County, Rev. A. (irigsby. 

Danville, Walker County, Rev. M. Egtcl. 

Quitman, Wood County, Rev. G. S. Templeton. 

Dangerfield, Titus County, Rev J. S. Patton. 

Clarkesville, Coss County, Rev. A. M. Stone. Samuel Corby and G. fioldburry. 

Pari:=, Lamar County, Rev. J. B. Bradley, A. Travelsbeud and T. H. Skedmore. 

Bonham, Fannin County, Rev. F. A. Williams. 

McKinuey, Collin County, Rev. W. A. AVilliams and U. Smith. 

Sprintrfield, Limestone County, Rev. M. C. Rowlau. 

Fairfield, Freestone County, Rev. G. W. Murray. 

Waco, McLennan County, Rev. Mr. Collins. 

Troy, Freestone County, Rev. B. P. Hammett. 

Belton, Bell County, Rev. Mr. Smith and F. E. Foster. 

Austin, Travis County, Rev. E. B. Clirisman and George Golden. 

La Grange, Fayette Coixnty, Rev. R. Peunock, Wm. M. Love and A. J. Atkinson, 

Gonzales, Gonzales County, Rev. R. W. Ware. 

Helenn, Karnes County, Rev. A. H. Walker. 

Hoaey Grove, Fannin" County, Rev. Mr. Prince, S. M. McGec and S. McKee. 

ckhart, Caldwell Conty, Rev. Mr. Abernethy. 
Seguin, Guadalupe Countv, Rev. A. Herron. 

Waxahachie, Ellis County", Rev. F. E. King, D. G. MoUoy and R. D. King. 
Athens, Henderson Countj^, M. B. Donald. 
Sterling, Hill County, Rev. Wm. Whorton. 
Lone Oak, AValkcr County, Rev. R. R. Iilartin. 
Round Rock, Travis County, Rev. W. B. Wear. 
M Iford, Anderson County, Rev. R. B. Groves. 
Black .Tack Grove, Bastrop County, Rev. B. W. Burns. 
Rock Hallj Rev. U. Vance. 

THE JEWISH EENOmiNATIOM. 

A.s Texas is emphatically an agricultural countrj', the immigration of the 
children of Israel has been very limited, and as yet there are no synagogues 
established in Texas. Although they are very few in number, yet, in accordance 
with the characteristic custom of these ancient people, they have established two 
burial-grounds, and a benevolent institution. 

The oldest of these burial-grounds is situated in Galveston, and was donated 
by Joseph Osterman, Esq., and was consecrated with appropriate ceremonies, 
and a most eloquent address by the Rev. Mr. M. N. Nathan, in 1852. 

At the city of Houston, through the exertions of Lewis A. Levy, Esq., a bene- 
volent association has been formed, its principal object being to extend to the 
sick and the stranger that assistance and attention Avhich money cannot always 
command. This association has also under its control a burial-ground,, which 
was established by this society. 



TO OWNERS OF TEXAS LAND-CERTIFICATES. 65 

TO OWNERS OF TEXAS LAND CERTIFICATES. 

REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 1, 1858. 

The attention of all holders of Texas Land-Claims is especially called to the 
necessity of presenting the majority of their claims to the Commissioner of the 
Court of Claims prior to the 

FIRST OF SEPTEMBER, 1858. 
And they should read with attention the following extract from an act to ascertain 
the legal claims for moncj' and lands against the State of Texas, passed the first 
day of August, LS56. 

All land-certificates of every description, except headright certificates of the first 
and second class, which have been returned as genuine and legal bj- the Commis- 
sioners appuintcd under an act "to detect fraudulent land-certificates, and to 
provide for the issuing patents to legal claimants," approved 29th Jan. 1810, and 
certificates issued under some special act of Congress of the Republic of Texas or 
of the Legislature of this State, and certificates to the colonists of Peters' Colony, 
Mercer's Colony, Castro's Colony, Fisher and Miller's Colony, and the colonists of 
the German Emigration Company, and certificates issued for premium lands in 
said colonies, and certificates issued to companies incorporated under the laws of 
this State for the purposes of internal improvement, and to persons for building 
vessels, under the provisions of the act of February the 3d, 1851, entitled "an 
act to encourage the building of steamboats, steamships and other vessels in the 
State of Texas," and certificates for unlocated balances heretofore issued, and pre- 
emption certificates, shall be presented to said Commissioner of Claims for registry 
within two years from and after the first day of September, one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-six, or they shall be forever barred from location, survey and 
patent. And any such certificates which have been entered, located or surveyed, 
and filed in any District Surveyor's office, or returned to the General Land Office, 
may be withdrawn from said office for the purpose of being presented to said Com- 
missioner of Claims, without in any manner affecting or vitiating said entry, 
location or survej% 

Bj' the above it will be seen that it is very important that immediate attention 
should be paid to the presentation of every class of claims not excluded by the 
above act to the Commissioner of the Court of Claims. It must also be borne in 
mind tliat even those claims that have been located, surveyed and returned to the 
General Land Office, which had not already been patented prior to the pass'ige of 
the above law, must be presented and ajtproved by the Commissioner of the Court 
of Claims. 

It may be proper here to state that the above law, from which we have extracted 
only the second section, was passed in consequence of the destruction of the Adju- 
tant-General's Ofllce bj- fire during the month of June or July, 1855, when the 
whole of the archives of that important office, containing all the muster-rolls, the 
transfers of the bounty-lands, which were the evidence under which the bounty- 



ee TAXES, SCHOOLS AND RAILROADS. 

warrants were issued to the assignees of such claims, — in fact, nearly all the record- 
evidence of the military and naval services of those who participated in the struggle 
lor Texian independence, — were destroyed. Thus, by the act of an incendiary, ia 
one night the whole of these valuable documents were irretrievably lost. 

The principal claims that it is absolutely necessary should be at once presented 
to the Commissioner of Claims are the following : — 

Second class headrights of 610 and 1280 acr^js each. 

Script claims. 

All Third and Fourth class headright claims. 

All Bounty and Donation Warrants. 



TAKES, SCHOOLS AND RAILROADS. 

The valuation of wild lands, as a basis of taxation, is ascertained by the oath 
of the owner or his agent administered when the assessment is made. Should the 
assessment be made at too low a valuation, it can be rejected by the assessor and 
collector ; and, should they not be able to agree upon the value of the lands, two 
land-owners are called in to aflBx the value of the lands. If, however, the owner 
or agent neglect to give in their lands, the valuation is affixed by the comptroller 
in the following manner : — He adds up into one sum the number of acres given iu 
any one county, and in another sum the amount of the valuation of the same; 
then, dividing this amount by the number of acres, he thus determines the value 
of all unassessed lands per acre ; and as all improved property, together with the 
city lots, is included iu the aggregate value of the lands in every county, it ne- 
cessarily causes the valuation of wild lands to be very high, and thus becomes a 
heavy burden to the owners, — in consequence, however, of their own neglect. 

The rate of Taxation is as follows : — Fifteen cents on each hundred dollars' 
worth of real and personal property, being the State tax; and about seven and a 
half cents on the hundred dollars as a county tax. By law, two hundred and 
fifty dollars of household or personal property is, however, exempted. Special 
Taxes are imposed in a few counties for building court-houses aud constructing 
railroads, amounting to from fifty cents to one dollar per one hundred dollars of 
valuation. 

Persons owning property, or their agents, must make out, and file in the office 
of the assessor and collector, their assessment-list between the months of January 
and May of each year. It is necessary that the description of the property so 
given in should be full and explicit; for all errors are at the risk of the owners of 
the land. 

Taxes become due on the first daj- of October in each year, and are payable at 
any time before the following first day of March. No interest accumulates until after 
sale of such lands as have been forfeited for taxes. After sale, where lauds have 
been purchased by individuals, they can be redeemed at auy time before the expi- 
ration of one year, by paying double the amount of tax and interest at the rate of 



TAXES, SCHOOLS AND RAILROADS. 67 

twenty per cent, per annum. Where land has been sold for taxes and purchased 
by tlie State, road the law entitled "An Act to restore Laxijs sold forT.vxks 

ANU purchased BY the StaTE OP TeXAS TO THE FORMER OwXERS, ON CERTAIN 

CoxDiTio.NS," to be found on pages 11 and 12 of this work. 

There have been no tax-sales iu Texas for the past four years. These sales arc 
made at the county seat by the county assessor and collector. Written notices 
are required to be posted in the county sixty days before the sale. Thus far, tax- 
titles have been defeated where tested in our courts. Not much reliance is placed 
upon them, and they can usually be purchased for from five to ten fold less than the 
holder paid for them himself, except by a very few individuals who have invested 
largely in tax-titles, who demand a high rate. Still, it is greatly to the advantage 
of owners of wild lauds to pay their ta.xes annually and cautiously examine to see 
if all old assessments have been paid up. If the taxes are permitted to run for a 
few years, they become much increased, as the different valuations are each year 
added together by the assessor. It is also better to avoid having the land sold 
for taxes. In cases where the purchaser of the land at tax-sales becomes possessed 
of the property, tedious litigations and vexatious delays are not unfrequently the 
result. The taxes for the years 1854, 1855, 1856 and 1S57 that were due to the 
State being nine-tenths of the whole amount, the remaining one-tenth, being 
sacredly devoted to the purposes of education, has been relinquished to the respec- 
tive counties in which the lauds paj'ing taxes are situated. These taxes have 
been relinquished by the State for the express purpose of building court-houses, 
jails and other necessary public improvements. 

There are no school-taxes in Texas. One-tenth of the annual State taxes is 
devoted to educational purposes. The school-fund thus created now amounts 
to over $2,000,000. This fund is loaned to the different railroad-companies 
upon first-mortgage securities at eight per cent, annual interest. Before a rail- 
road-company can effect a loan from this fund, however, they are required to build 
and put in operation twenty-live miles of their road, and grade, ready for the 
track, twenty miles in addition. The company are then entitled to a loan of 
S(),000 per mile. This remains a permanent loan, if desired by the company. 
The income of the school-fund is constantly on the increase, and will be in a few 
years amply sufficient to defray all expense of the construction of school-houses 
without a tax being resorted to. 

All public lands in Texas belong exclusively to the State. The State Govern- 
ment donates to each county four square leagues of land, to be located by 
the Chief Justice of the county, upon script issued by the State. The State has 
also donated fifty square leagues of land for university purposes, which have 
been located in dift'erent parts of the State. By these wise provisions of our State 
government the two leading interests of a free people, education and internal 
improvement, will be greatly promoted. 

As our rivers are unreliable for navigation-purposes, the people of Texas must 
place their reliance for maxket and facilities of travel upon railroads. 



68 GALVESTON: HER EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. 

The public lands in Texas subject to entry by virtue of State script are located 
between the 31st and 33d parallels of north latitude. This script is sold by the 
State at fifty cents per acre, and, if proper care be observed in the selection of 
land, very profitable investments may be made. Many of the State lands lie 
along the line which in a few years must inevitably be the route of a railroad to 
the Pacific Ocean. This region is unsurpassed in the Tjnited States for salubrity 
and healthfulness of climate, richness and depth of soil, and variety and luxuriance 
of agricultural products. The construction of a railroad from the Mississippi 
River through the northern portion of the State is all that is required to call to 
that region swarms of immigrants, who will find a country rich in all that nature 
can bestow ready to receive them. 

I will close this article by calling the attention of citizens of the Northern States 
who own lands in Texas, and of emigrants from these States and from foreign 
countries, to the 
AMSRICAN LAND AND TAX-PAYING AGENCY, 

liVSTITUTED BY 

CLARK AND FAULKNER, 
No. 16 Wall Street, City of New York. 

These gentlemen will be advised of all matters involving the interest of real 
estate in Texas. Their comprehensive system will insure promptness, economy 
and despatch in the transaction of business, the payment of taxes, the location 
of lands, the purchase or sale of land, and in furnishing to emigrants, or per- 
sons wishing to establish a colony, large tracts for such purposes. The senior 
partner has been Governor of the State of New York. 

GALVESTON: HER EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. 

The following are the receipts of produce at the port of Galveston from the 1st 
November, 1855, to July 15, 1856, a period of eight months and a half: — 

76,914 bales of cotton, valued at $40 per bale, . . . $3,076,560 

5,614 hogsheads of sugar, . 60 "... . 336,960 

7,882 bbls. molasses, . . 8 per bbl., ... . 63,056 

$3,476,576 
The imports and estimated value of such articles as the State of Texas is fully 
ABLK TO PRODUCE with profit to the cultivators are as follows : — 

19,071 flour at $8 per bbl., $152,568 

3,188 bbls. pork, $16 per bbl., 51,008 

882 hhds. bacon, $60 per hhd., 52,920 

1,640 kegs of lard. $63 per keg, 9,840 

345 bbls. lard, $25 per bbl., 8,625 

7,049 sacks of corn at $2 50 per sack, 17,612 

3,180 sacks of oats, 5,500 

1,422 sacks of bran, 2,000 

1,317 bales of hay, 15,000 

$315,073 
It is to bo borne in mind that the above comprises the Imports and Exports of 



WATER-POWER IN TEXAS. 69 

one point only in Texas : besides tbis, there are those of Matagorda Bay, Sahino 
and the Red River; and therefore I am safe in estimating the amounts at four 
times vvliat Galveston sliows. 

To those who arc intimately acquainted with the vast resources of Texas it may 
appear strange that we have had to send out $;>15,000 in the short space of eight 
and a half nijntlis, to pay for articles that we ourselves can produce as well as any 
other country in the world; for it is a well-established fact, that the whole tier of 
counties extending for scventy-iive miles south of Red River could supply all the 
wheat, Washington county all the hay, corn and oats, and the Cross-Timbers all 
the bacon, lard and pork, besides a vast quantity for exportation. 

The only obstacle in the way of increasing our exports from Galveston twenty- 
fold, and preventing this drain of money to pay for those articles we ought to 
produce, is the want of railroads. This obstacle in the course of time, it is to 
be hopsd, will be removed, although heretofore the progress has been slow ; but 
the present prospects for railway-communication are brighter than they have ever 
been, for the more travel there is through Texas, and the more reliable information 
that can be obtained, the faster will these works progress, since capitalists will then 
become satisfied that no State in the Union offers stronger inducements than Texas 
for the safe and profitable investment of capital in railroad-enterprise. 

There might be some exceptions taken as regards the valuation of the different 
articles. We are aware that they arc rather below than above the actual stand- 
ard of prices; but, should we err in our calculations, we prefer to be on the right 

side. 

— '^i-M'M'S.C i «•- — 

WATER-POWER IH TEXAS. 

The immense value of the water-privileges afforded by the St. Mark's, the Comal, 
Hamilton's Creek and the Great Falls of the Colorado aro not generally appreciated. 
The above-mentioned four localities present advantages seldom to be found so inti- 
mately combined. Here, with inexhaustible water-power to drive anj' quantity of 
machinery, we have the lands to produce all the cotton they require, without the 
trouble or expense of baling, shipping, compressing, and without the charges 
attendant on shipment, such as freight, insurance, handling, wharftige, and the 
endless etceteras to be found in bills of charges furnished by New York mer- 
chants to our planters, — as the cotton couM be sent direct from the fields to the gin 
and factory. Besides this, innumerable flocks of sheep could be raised in the imme- 
diate vicinity of these points. While we could supply the factories with the raw 
materials, we could at the same time produce the bread and meat in the immediate 
vicinity to support the operatives; and, what is quite as essential, we have a home 
market to absorb all the productions of a reasonable number of mills. Let those 
who arc about investing their means in manufactories iu the Northern States turn 
their attention to Texas, and examine for themselves the superior advantages we 
can offer, and we are satisfied that they will give the above-named points the 
decided preference. 



70 



LIST OF COUNTIES OF TEXAS. 



LIST OF COUNTIES OF TEXAS. 









1 


FROM WHAT COUNTIES 


COUNTY. 


COUNTY SEAT. 


WHEN CREATED. 


^ CREATED. 

5 


Anderson, 


Palestine, 


March 24, 1846, 


9 


Houston. 


Angelina, 


Marion, 


April 22, 1846, 


5 


Nacogdoches. 


Atascosa, 


Atascosa, 


Jan. 25, 1856, 


18 


Bexar. 


Austin, 


Belleville, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


1 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 


Bandera, 


Bandera, 


Jan. 26, 1856, 


18 


Bexar and Uvalde. 


Bastrop, 


Bastrop, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


2 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the name 
of Mina prior thereto. 


Bell, 


Belton, 


Jan. 22, 1850, 


3 


Milam. 


Bexar, 


San Antonio, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


4 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 


Bosque, 


Meridian, 


Feb. 4, 1854, 


3 


McLennan. 


Bowie, 


Boston, 


Dec. 17, 1840, 


8 


Red River. 


Brazoria, 


Brazoria, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


1 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 


Brazos, 


Boonville, 


Jan. 30, 1841, 


13 


Washington and Robertson, 
name changed from Navaso- 
to, 28th January, 1842. 


Brown, 




Au!?. 27, 1856, 


17 




Burleson, 


Caldwell, 


March 24,1846, 


3 


Milam. 


Burnet, 


ILimilton, 


Feb. 5, 1852, 


17 


Travis, Williamson and Bell. 


Caldwell, 


Lock hart. 


March 6, 1848, 


2 


Gonzales and Bastrop. 


Calhoun, 


Indianola, 


April 4, 1846, 


10 


Victoria and Jackson. 


Cameron, 


Brownsville, 


Feb. 12, 1848, 


12 


Nueces. 


Cass, 


Linden, 


April 25, 1846, 


8 


Harrison. 


Cherokee, 


Rusk. 


April 11, 1846, 


9 


Nacogdoches. 


Collin, 


Mc Kinney, 


April 3, 1846, 


16 


Fannin. 


Colorado, 


Columbus, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


1 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 


Comal, 


New Braunfels, 


March 24, 1846, 


4 


Bexar and Travis. 


Comanche, 




Jan. 25, 1856, 




Coryell and Bosque. 


Cooke, 


Gainesville, 


March 20, 1848, 


16 


Fa)inin. 


Coryell, 


Gatesville, 


Feb. 4. 1854, 


3 


Bell. 


Diillas, 


Dallas, 


March 30. 1846, 


16 


Robertson and Nacogdoches. 


Denton, 


Alton, 


April 11, 1846, 


16 


Fannin. 


De Witt, 


Clinton, 


March 24, 1846, 


10 


Gonzales, Victoria and Goliad. 


Ellis, 


Waxahachie, 


Dec. 20, 1849, 


16 


Navarro. 



LIST OF COUNTIES OF TEXAS. 



71 



|San Elizniio, 

SteplicnsviUo, 

Mailiu, 

Boiiham, 

La Grange, 

Richmond, 
; Fairfield, 

Galveston, 

Frederickburg, 

Goliad, 



Gonzales, 
j Sherman, 
Anderson, 
Segiiin, 
Houston, 



Marshall, 
San JMarcos, 
i Athens, 
1 Edinburgh, 
Hillsborough, 
Tarrant, 
Crockett, 
Greenville, 
Mezquiteville, 
Texana, 



I Jasper, 
i Beaumont, 

Wardville, 

Helena, 

Kaufman, 

Kerrsville, 

Brackett, 

Paris, 

Lampases, 

Halletsville, 

Centreville, 
Libertj', 



Springfield, 
Llano, 



Jafi. 3, 1850, 
Jan. 25, 1850, 
Jan. 28, 1850, 
Dec. 14, 1837, 
Dec. 14, 1837, 
Dec. 29, 18.37, 
Sept 6. 1850, 
May 1 5, 1838, 
Feb. 23, 1848, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 



Dec. 20, 1836, 10 
March 17,1846,16 
April 6, 1846, 7 
March 30,1846, 2 
Dec. 20, 1836, 7 



.Tan. 28, 1839, 6 
March 1, 1848, 2 
April 27, 1846, 9 
March 25, 1846,12 
Feb. 7, 1853, 13 
March 25, 1846, 8 



June 12, 1837, 
Apri! 11, 1846, 
Aug. 27, 1856, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 



Dec. 20, 1836, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 
Feb. 4, 1854, 
Feb. 4, 1854, 

Feb. 26, 1848, 
Feb. 20, 1856, 
Jan. 28, 1850, 
Dec. 17. 1840, 
Feb. 1, 1850, 
April 6, 1846, 



March 17, 1846,'l3 
Dec. 20, 1836, 15 



April 11, 1846, 13 
Feb. 2, 1856, ,14 
Feb. 1, 1856, ,17 
Aug. 27, 1856, 17 



Bexar. 

Bosque and Coryell. 

Milam and Limestone. 

Nacogdoches. 

Colorado and Bastrop. 

Austin. 

Limestone. 

Brazoria and Liberty. 

Bexar. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto, 
do. do. 

Fannin. 

Montgomery. 

Gonzales and Bexar. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of Harrisburg 
prior thereto, name changed 
to Harris, Dec. 28, 1839. 

Shelby. 

Travis. 

Houston and Nacogdoches. 

Cameron. 

Navarro and Ellis. 

Lamar and Nacogdoches. 

Nacogdoches. 

Fannin and Nacogdoches. 

Cooke. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
I name i)rior thereto. 

do. do. 

do. do. 

Navarro and Milam. 
.Bexar, De Witt, Goliad and 
I San Patricio. 

Henderson. 

Bexar. 

Bexar. 

Red River. 

Travis and Coryell. 

Gonzales, Victoria, Jackson, 
Fayette and Colorado. 

Robertson. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 

Robertson and Navarro. 

San Patricio and Nueces. 

Gillespie and Bexar. 

Bexar. 



72 

McLennan, 

Madison, 
Matagorda, 



Maverick, 

Medina, 

Milam, 



Montgomery, 
Nacoedoches, 



Navarro, 

Newton, 

Kiieces, 

Orange, 

Palo Pinto, 

Panola, 

Parker, 

Polk, 

Presidio, 

Red River, 



Refugio, 
Robertson, 
Rusk, 
Sabine, 



San Augustine, 
San Patricio, 
San Saba, 
Shelby, 



Smith, 

Starr, 

Tarrant, 

Titus, 

Travis, 

Trinity, 

Tyler, 

Upshur, 

Uvalde, 

Van Zandt, 



LIST OF COUNTIES OF TEXAS. 



Waco, 

Madisonvillc, 
Matagorda, 



Eagle Pass, 
Castroville, 
Cameron, 



Montgomery, 
Nacogdoches, 



Corsicana, 

Newton, 

Corpus Christi, 

Madison, 

(iolconda, 

Carthage, 

Weatherford, 

Livingston, 

Fort Leaton, 

C larks ville, 



Refugio, 
Wheeloek, 
Henderson, 
Milam, 



San Augustine, 
San Patricio, 
San Saba, 
Shelbj'ville, 



Tyler, 

Rio Grande City 

Birdville, 

Mount Pleasant 

Austin, 

Sumter, 

Woodville, 

(lilmer, 

Uvalde, 

Couton, 



Feb. 22, 1S50, 

Jan. 27, 1853, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 



Feb. 2, 185C, 
Feb. 12, 1848, 
Doc. 20, 1836, 



Dec. 14, 1837, 
Dee. 20, 1836, 



April 25, 1846, 
April 22, 1846, 
Airil 18, 1846, 
Feb. 6, 1852, 
Aug. 27, 1856, 
March 30. 1846 
Dee. 12, 1855, 
March 30, 1846, 
Jan. 3, 1850, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 



Dec. 20, 1836, 
Dec. 14, 1837, 
Jan. 16, 1843, 
Dec. 20, 183G, 



Dec. 20, 1836, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 
Feb. 1, 1856, 
Dec. 20, 1836, 



April 11, 1846, 
Feb. 11, 1848, 
Dec. 20, 1849, 
May 11, 1846, 
Jan. 26, 1840, 
Feb. 11, 1850, 
April 3, 1846, 
April 27, 1846, 
Dec. 8, 1850, 
March 20, 1848, 



3j Milam, Limestone and Na- 
varro. 
13 Grimes, Walker and Leon, 
li Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 
18 Kinney. 
18 Bexar.' 
3 Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the name of 
Viesca prior thereto. 
AVashington. 
15 Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, .and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto. 

13 Robertson. 

5 Jasper. 
14; San Patricio. 
15 Jefferson. 



Harrison and Rusk. 

Denton and Bosque. 

Liberty. 

Buxar. 

Original count}' at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto, 
do. do. 

Milam. 

Nacogdoches. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the same 
name prior thereto, 
do. do. 

do. do. 

Bexar. 

Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the name 
of Teneha prior thereto. 

Nacogdoches. 

Nueces. 

Navarro. 

Bed River. 

Bastrop. 

Houston. 

Liberty. 

Harrison and Nacogdoches. 

Bexar. 

Henderson and Kaufman. 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



73 



Victoria, 


Victoria, 




Dee. 20, 183G, 


10 





riginal county at the organi- 










zation of the Republic, and 










municipality of the same 










name prior thereto. 


M^alkcr, 


Huntsvillc, 


April 6,1846, 


7 


Montgomery. 


Washington, 


Brenham, 


Dec. 20, 1836, 


3 


Original county at the organi- 
zation of the Republic, and 
municipality of the samo 
name prior thereto. 


Webb, 


Laredo, 


Jan. 28, 1848, 


12 


Bexar. 


Wise, 


Taylorsville, 


Jan. 23, 1856, 


16 


Denton and Cooke. 


Wha«-ton, 


Wharton, 


April 3, 1846, 


1 


Matagorda, Colorado and 
Jackson. 


Williamson, 


Georgetown, 


March 13, 1848, 


17 


Milam. 


Wood, 


Quitman, 


Feb. 5, lS.i0, 


6 


Van Zandt. 


Young, 


Bclknai), 


Feb. 2, 1S56, 


16 


Denton and Cooke. 


NUMBER OF COUNTIES CREATED EACH YEAR. 


I8;i6 


23 


1841 1 




1852 2 


1837 


6 


1S43 1 




1853 2 


1838 


I 


1846 32 




1854 4 


1839 


1 


1848 11 




1855 1 


1840 


3 


1849 2 




1856 16 








]S,-,0 10 






Total, 116 Counties. 



DALLAS 

Look on this picture of 1855. 

Value of Negroes $260,000 

do. llor^-cs 149,580 

do. Cattle 120,900 

Total value of property, 1,777,036 



COUNTY. 

And on this of 1856. 

Viilue of Negroes $322,000 

do. Horses 322,000 

do. Cattle 184,985 

Total value of property 2,125,165 

In 1854 the total value of all property was $1,125,709. 
We are indebted to the assessor and collector of Dallas county for the abovo 
information as regards 1856. This shows well for a county far in the interior, 
without railroad or canal facilities,-^nearly double in two years. Beat this who can. 

— "^fr 3 f f -^e^-- — 

TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



Streams Emptying' into the Gulf of Mexico and her Bays, 

of the State, at the mouth of the Sabino 
the mouth of the Rio Grande River. 



Commencing at the stmthcast corner 
River, and continuing along the coast to 



Sabine River, 

Neches River, 

Taylor's Bayou, 

East Bayou, 

Oyster Bayou, 

Double Baj'ou, 

Turtle Bayou, 

Trinity River, 

Cedar Bayou, 

Goose Creek, 

San Jacinto River, 

Clear Creek, 

Dickinson's Bayou, Deer Creek, 

Moses' Bayou, Colorado River, 

Highland Bayou, 



Hall's Bayou, 
Mustang Bayou, 
Chocolate Bayou, 
Bastrop Bayou, 
Oyster Creek, 
Brazos River, 
San Bernard River, 
Cedar Lake Bayou, 
Caney Baj'ou, 
Live Oak Creeks, 
Cause Bayou, 
Prairie Creek, 



Wilson's Creek, 
Trespalacios, 
Post Oak Creek, 
Turtle Bayou, 
Cai'anchua River, 
Lavaca River, 
Benedita Creek, 
Garcitas Creek, 
Simms' B.ayou, 
Big Chocolate, 
Guadalupe River, 
Twin Creek, 
AVillow Creek, 
Saline Creek, 
4 



Cavasso Creek, 
Copano Creek, 
Melon Creek, 
Mission River, 
Warunto Creek, 
Aransas Creek, 
Chiltipin Creek, 
Nueces River, 
Oso Creek, 
Laureles Creek, 
San Fernando, 
Olmos River, 
Sal Colorado, 
Rio Grande. 



74 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE RIO GRANDE. 
Arroyo del Saus, Cuerrs Creek, Zoquette Creek, Stampede Creek, 

San Ambrosio, Cuevas Creek, Maverick's Creek, Devil's River. 

San Pedro, Elm Creek, Pedro's Creek, 

Torza Creek, Las Moras Creek, Sau Felipe Creek, 



Pintos, 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE CUTTO DE LOS LAURELES. 

Chiltipin, Agua Dulce. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN FERNANDO. 



Escondido, 
Armagosa, 

Panitas Creek, 
La Garta Creek, 
Carvase Creek, 
Spring Creek, 
La Parra, 



Ataseoso Creek, 
La Gunza, 
San Margil, 
Gaspar Flores, 



San Gertrudes, 
Trinidad, 



Taraneahuas, 
San Diego, 



Resaca. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE NUECES RIVER. 

Forked Lake, Las Muellas, Pecan Creek, 

St. Mary Creek, Live Oak, Montel's Creek. 

Mustang, Elm Creek, 

Espantosa, Turkey Creek, 

Puenta de la Piedra, Rio Frio, Indian Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE RIO FRIO 
Francisco Perez, Deer Creek. Kendall's Creek, 



Chacon, 

Cazada de Reux, 

Hondo River, 



Sabinal River, 
Ranchero's Creek, 
Comanche Creek, 



Leona River, 
Cavasso Creek. 



San Christoval 

Chicanatillo, 

Lipan, 



Quihi, 
Tahuacano, 



Chiltipin, 
Paesta, 

Melon Creek, 
Saus Creek, 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE ATASCOSO CREEK. 
Tordillo, Bouito, 

Lucas, La Paritta, 

Salinas, Turkey. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE HONDO RIVER. 
Live Oak Slough, Parker's Creek, 
Saco, Burnet's Creek 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE ARENOSO RIVER. 
Papelote, La Yesta, La Bata. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE MISSION RIVER. 

Medio or Middle Cr. Mocorera Creek, Miller's Creek, 
Sarco Creek, Blanco Creek, Richland Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE GUADALUPE RIVER. 



San Antonio River, 
Elm Bayou, 
Perdido Creek, 
Lake Creek, 
Turkey Creek, 
Jane Creek, 
Coleto, 
Cottonwood, 
Five-Mile Creek, 
Sandy Creek, 
Tulcher's Creek, 



Denton Creek, 
Cox's Creek, 
Cottonwood Creek, 
Comal Creek, 
Bear Creek, 
Tom Creek, 
Spring Creek, 
Sabiuas, 
Wasp Creek, 
Violet Creek, 
Joshua's Creek, 



Verde Creek, 
Turtle Creek, 
Green Lake, 
Price's Creek, 
Irish Creek, 
Cuero Creek, 
Queen's Creek, 
Peach Creek, 
San Marcos, 
Nash's Creek, 
Mill Creek, 



San Geronimo, 
Isaac's Creek, 
Jacob's Creek, 
Anna's Creek, 
Rebecca's Creek, 
Simmond's Creek, 
Curry Creek, 
Sister's Creek, 
Sabina's Creek, 
Cypress Creek, 
Miner's Creek. 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



75 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER. 

ITord's Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Eagle Creek, Snn Pedro Springs, 

Piilm Creek, Manahuila Creek, Chupaderas, Olmus Creek. 

Hondo Creek, Carvasso Creek, Calaveras, 

Eseondido Creek, Clcto Creek, Salado Creek, 

Culebras Creek, Cibolo River, Medina River, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE CIBOLO RIVER. 

White Sulph. Sprs, Elm Creek, Santa Clara, Martines Creek, 

Dos Salatrillas, Rosolio, Balcones. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE COLORADO RFV^ER. 



Long Point Creek, 
Jennings Creek, 
Blue Creek, 
Jones Creek, 
Skull Creek, 
Eagle Lake, 
Redgate's Creek, 
Harvey's Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 
Williams' Creek, 
Rooky Creek, 
Buckner's Creek, 
Rabb's Creek, 
Cedar Creek, 
Pine Oak Creek, 
Alum Creek, 
Piney Creek, 
Sandy Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 
Cedar Creek, 
Wilbarger's Creek, 
Onion Creek, 



Spring Creek, 
Cow Creek, 
Fish Creek, 
Perdinales River, 
Cypress Creek, 
Little Cypress Creek 
Love Creek, 
Double Horn, 
Sandy Creek, 
Haniilton's Creek, 
Backbone Creek, 
Spare Rib Creek, 
Llano River, 
Webster's Creek, 
Our Creek, 
Saline Creek, 
Fall Creek, 
Deer Creek, 
Sulphur Spring, 
Lynch's Creek, 
Marble or Cherokee 
Rough Creek, 



Antelope Creek, 
San Saba River, 
Horse Creek, 
Waco Creek, 
Pecan Bayou, 

, Spring Creek, 

AVilbarger's Creek, 
Indian Creek, 
Thetis Creek, 
Clear Creek, 
Mukewater Creek, 
Home Creek, 
Eunomia Creek, 
Thalia Creek, 
Terpsichore Creek, 
David's Creek, 
Urania Creek, 
Pomona Creek, 
Kiekapoo Creek, 
Rio Concho, 

Creek, North Fork. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE NORTH FORK OF COLORADO. 



Flora's Creek, 
Black Creek, 
Red Creek, 
Spring Creek, 

Kiekapoo Creek, 
Grape Creek, 
Antelope Creek, 
Boiling Fork, 



Bluff Creek, 
Mulatto Creek, 
Valley Creek, 



Fish Creek, 
Salt Creek, 
Oak Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE RIO CONCHO. 



Dog Creek, 
Good Spring Creek, 
Lapan Camp Creek, 
Ninirod Creek, 



North Fork, 
South Fork, 
Kioway Creek, 
Sterling Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN SABA RIVER. 



Simpson's Creek, 
Richland Creek, 
Wallace's Creek, 
Bonnet Creek, 
Brady's Creek, 
Deep Creek, 



Cherokee Creek, 
Buffalo Creek, 
Cherokee Creek, 
Hickory Creek, 
Grape Creek, 
Tiger Creek, 



Katomsey's Creek, 
Camp Creek, 
Elm Creek, 
Howard's Creek, 
Otter Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE MUKEWATER CREEK. 
Jira Ned Creek, Hord's Creek, Bald Eagle Creek. 



76 TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 

TRIBUTARIES OF PECAN BAYOU. 
South Fork, Blanket Creek, Green Brier Creek, 

Lake Fork, Delaware Creek, Bums Creek, 

Brown's Creek, Agua Dulce, North Fork, 

Pompey's Creek, Paint Creek, Middle Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OF BRADY'S CREEK. 
Venus Creek, Ceres Creek, Euphrosyne Creek, 

Vulcan Creek, Hebe Creek, Amour Creek, 

Jupiter Creek, Neptune Creek, Snake Spring. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE LLANO RIVER. 
Our Creek, AVillow Creek, Ionia Creek, 

Little Llano, Comanche Creek, Mills Creek, 

Buffalo Creek, Jaffies River, Elm Fork, 

Pecan Creek, Honey Creek, South Fork Creek, 

San Fei-nando, Leonas Creek, Lipan Camp Creek, 

Hickory Creek, Salinas Creek, Viejo Creek, 

Front Creek, Bear Creek, North Fork. 

Elm Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF HICKORY CREEK. 
Bull-Head Creek, Treadgill's Creek, Mezquite Creek. 

Walnut Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OP THE PERDENALES CREEK. 
Cypress Creek, Miller's Creek, Willow Creek. 

North Fork, Grape Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF ONION CREEK. 
Williamson Creek, Bear Creek, Dripping Spring. 

Slaughter's Creek, Manchaca's Spring, 

LAVACA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 
Navedad River, Supple Jack Creek, Widerhole Creek, 

Chocolate Creek, Jack's Creek, Mustang Creek, 

Lower Brushy Creek, Douglas or Clarke's Creek, Ponton or Douglas C. 

Big Brushy Creek, 

NAVIDAD RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 
Sutherland Creek, West Sandy Creek, West Mustang, 

Brushy Creek, South Sandy Creek, Mixon's Creek, 

North Sandy Creek, Sandy Creek, Lower Rocky, 

East Sandy Creek, East Mustang, Upper Rocky. 

TRIBUTARIES OF SANDY CREEK. 
Deer Creek, Clear Fork, Elm Creek, Los Olmos. 

Castleman Fork, Five-Mile Creek, Salt Fork, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN MARCOS RIVER. 
Canoe Creek, Mile Creek, Plum Creek, Highland Creek. 

York Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Rio Blanco, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE LEON RIVER. 
Cowhouse Creek, Plum Creek, Walnut Creek, 

Table-Rock Creek, Warring's Creek, Indian Creek, 

Owl Creek, Live Oak Creek, Duncan Creek, 

Coryell Creek. South Leon, Walker's Creek, 

Partridge Creek, Risley's Creek, Armstrong's Creek. 



TEXAS RIVEllS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



77 



BRAZOS RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 



East Union Bayou, 
West Union Bayou, 
Cnnal, 
Cow Crock, 
Big Creek, 
Smile Creek, 
Iron Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
Piney Creek, 
Fish-Pond Creek, 
Lynn Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
New Year's Creek, 
Kuykendal's Creek, 
Jackson's Creek, 
Doe Run, 
Boason's Creek, 
Navasoto River, 
Yegua River, 
White Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 
Cedar Creek, 
Little Brazos, 
Antelope Creek, 
Double Mountain Fork, 



Spring Creek, 
Little River, 
Piilo Piuto River, 
Hog Creek, 
Deer Creek, 
Cow Creek, 
Lake Creek, 
Fish Creek, 
Turtle Creek, 
Bear Creek, 
Tahaucano, 
South Bosquo, 
Otter Creek, 
Childres Creek, 
North Bosque River, 
Aguilla River, 
Iron Creek, 
Cedron Creek, 
Steele's Creek, 
Mezquite Creek, 
Grass Creek, 
Hill Creek, 
Lake Creek, 
Delaware Creek, 
Croton Creek, 



Noland's River, 
Poluxy River, 
Stroud's Creek, 
Long Creek, 
Robinson's Creek, 
Red Bear Creek, 
Kickapoo Creek, 
Patrick's Creek, 
Rock Creek, 
Buck Creek, 
Sunday Creek, 
Fort Creek, 
Palo Pinto, 
lone Creek, 
Kickapoo Creek, 
High Bluff Creek, 
Caddo Creek, 
Clear Fork, 
Salt Creek, 
Elm Creek, 
Race Creek, 
Boggy Creek, 
StoUey's Creek, 
Phineas Creek, 
University Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE NAVASOTO RIVER. 



Holland's Creek, 
Rocky Creek, 
Gibbon's Creek, 
Peach Creek, 
Spring Peach Creek, 
Carter's Creek, 
Lyon's Creek, 
Wickson's Creek, 
Bowman's Creek, 
Alcorn's Creek, 



Sandj^ Crock, 
Big Cedar, 
Caney Creek, 
Devil's Jump, 
Camp Creek, 
Deer Creek, 
IMineral Creek, 
Duck Creek, 
Buck Creek, 
Birch Creek, 



Steele's Creek, 
Lynn Creek, 
Buffalo Creek, 
Mustang Creek, 
Birch Creek, 
Lake Creek, 
Plummer's Creek, 
McKenzie's Creek, 
Christmas Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE LITTLE BRAZOS RIVER. 

Spring Creek, South Creek, Hog Creek, 

Pin Oak Creek, Walnut Creek, Big Creek. 

Mud Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE SOUTH BOSQUE RIVER. 



Davis Creek, 
Hog Creek, 

Duck Creek, 
Jones' Creek, 
Indian Creek, 
Elm Creek, 
Sandy Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 



Middle Bosque River, 
Bluff Creek, 
TRIBUTARIES OF LITTLE RIVER 



Wasp Creek, 
Cave Creek. 



Turkey Creek, 

Dry Fork of Brushy, 

Battle-Ground Creek, 

Lake Creek, 

San Gabriel River, 

Clay's Fork, 



Donohoe's Creek, 
Dorr's Creek, 
Salado River, 
Lnmpases River, 
Noland's Creek, 
Leon River. 



78 TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER. 
Pecan Creek, Williamson's Creek, North Fork, 

Alligator Creek, Berry's Fork, South Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE LAMPASES RIVER. 

Mezquite Creek, School Creek, North Fork, 

Sulphur Fork, Simm's Creek, Bennet's Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE YEGUA. 
Davidson's Creek, First Yegua, Wolf's Creek, 

Big Creek, Second Yegua, Cedar Creek, 

Birch Creek, Third Yegua, Nail's Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE NORTH BOSQUE. 

Neil's Creek, Spring Creek, Honey Creek, 

Turkey Creek, East Bosque, Duffau's Creek, 

Meridian Creek, Fall Creek, Green's Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE CLEAR FORK OF BRAZOS. 

Buck Creek, Hubbard's Creek, Evan's Creek, 

Crump's Creek, Fish Creek, Elm Fork, 

Toyle's Creek, Hole Creek, Little Elm Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OP BUFFALO BAYOU. 
Carpenter's Bayou, Simms' Bayou, Horse-Pen Bayou, 

Green's Bayou, Bray's Bayou, Spring Branch. 

Hunting Bayou, White Oak Bayou, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE SAN JACINTO RIVER. 

Luce Bayou, Hurricane Creek, Lake Creek, 

East San Jacinto, Crystal Creek, Little Lake Creek, 

Peach Creek, Cancy Creek, Caney Creek, 

Spring Branch, Clear Creek, Wave Creek, 

Middle Fork or Caney Mound Creek, Prairie Creek, 

Creek, Spring Creek, Sandy Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OP EAST SAN JACINTO RIVER. 

Niblet's Creek, Winter's Creek, Walnut Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF SPRING CREEK. 

Cypress Bayou, Mill Creek, Dry Fork, 

Willow Creek, Sandy Creek, Middle Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OF SULPHUR FORK OF RED RIVER. 

Ward's Creek, Ward's Creek, Cuthard's Creek, 

Cypress Creek, Shoal Creek, Boggy Creek, 

McKinney's Creek, Flat Creek, Bland's Creek, 

Rocky Creek, Caney Creek, Guest Creek, 

Big Creek, Booth's Creek, Ward's Creek, 

Longham's Creek, Dalby's Creek, Little Mustang Creek, 

Young's Creek, White Oak Bayou, Big Mustang Creek, 

Rice's Creek, Village Creek, Mulberry Creek, 

Anderson's Creek, Kickapoo Creek, Brushy Creek, 

Brooke's Creek, White Oak Creek, Bee Creek, 

Bassett's Creek, Fork of Red River, North Fork of Sulphur, 

Blythe's Creek, Edmonson's Creek, South Fork of Sulphur. 

Weader's Creek, Delaware Creek, 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



79 



TRINITY RIVER, AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 



Hurricane Bayou, 
Bojijiy Creek, 
Keeehi Creek, 
Clapp's Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
Elkhart's Creek, 
Upper Keeehi Creek, 
Parker's Creek, 
Box's Creek, 
Boon Creek, 
Saline Creek, 
Lake Creek, 
Catfish Bayou, 
Beaver Creek, 
Otto Creek, 
Wild Cat Creek, 
Pecan Creek, 
Turkey Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 



Olla River, 
Edwanlti' Creek, 
Menard's Creek, 
Big Creek, 
Tempey's Creek, 
Long King's Creek, 
Stephen's Creek. 
Kickapoo Creek, 
Palmetto Creek, 
Pool's Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Harmon's Creek, 
Nelson's Creek, 
Mound Creek, 
White Rock Creek, 
Cnney Creek, 
Wright's Creek, 
Negro Creek, 
Lost Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE ELM FORK OF TRINITY RIVER. 
Joe's Bayou, Little Elm Creek, Findlcy's Creek, 

Devil Creek, 
Pecan Creek, 
Cooper's Creek, 
Clear Creek, 
Duck Creek, 
TRIBUTARIES OF JORDAN'S 
Martin Creek, 
TRIBUTARIES OF DENTON FORK 
Elizabeth's Creek, Oliver's Creek, 

Trail Creek, 

WEST FORK OP TRINITY RIVER. 

Oliver's Creek, Turkey Creek, 

Deer Creek, Sandy Creek, 

Walnut Creek, Village Creek, 

Centre Creek, Crooked Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF SOUTH FORK OF SULPHUR. 
Jonningham's Creek, Short Creek, 

Merrick's Creek, Willow Creek, 

Stewart's Creek, Middle Fork, 



Denton Fork of Trinity, 
Timber Creek, 
Hickory Creek, 
Stewart's Creek, 
Loafer's Creek. 



Range Creek, 



Cedar Creek, 
Rush Creek, 
Grave Creek, 
Village Creek, 
Smith's Creek, 
Red Oak Creek, 
Bois d'Arc Creek, 
Ten-Mile Creek, 
Pleasant Run Creek, 
Bois d'Arc, 
East Fork of Trinity, 
Five-Mile Creek, 
White Rock Creek, 
Mountain Creek, 
Cedar Bluff Creek, 
Camp Creek, 
Trading-House Creek, 
West Fork of Trinity, 
Elm Fork of Trinity. 



Pond Creek, 
Jordan's Creek, 
Dry Creek, 
Right Creek. 

CREEK. 
Timl^er Creek. 
OF TRINITY. 
Catlett's Creek. 



Caddo Creek, 
Fossil Creek, 
Clear Fork, 
Mill Creek, 

Lake Creek, 

Brushy Creek, 

Big Creek, 

Doctor's Creek, Honey Creek, Turkey Creek. 

John's Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF NORTH FORK OF SULPHUR. 
Sandy Creek, Honcj- Creek, Bringham's Creek, 

Hickory Creek, Rock Creek, Marcella's Creek, 

Crockett's Creek, Cane Creek, ]iois d'Arc Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF WHITE OAK BAYOU. 
Horse Creek, Big Creek, Roek Creek. 

Ripley's Creek, Caney Creek, 



80 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



TRIBUTARIES OF BOIS D'ARC CREEK. 



Bois d'Ai'c Creek, 
Honey Grove Greek, 
Bullard's Creek, 



Sloan's Creek, 
Powder Creek, 
Gilbert's Creek, 



Timber Creek, 
Coffce-Mill Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE NECIIES RIVER. 



Pine Island Bayou 
Alabama Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
Wright's Creek, 
Big Creek, 
Walnut Run, 
Sandy Creek, 
Spring Creek, 
Angelina River, 
Bilban's Creek, 
Russell's Creek, 
Shawnee Creek, 
Buck Creek, 



King's Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Big Piney, 

Harpin's Pony Creek, 
Dickinson's Creek, 
Elm Creek, 
Cochino Bayou, 
Conner's Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Morrison's Creek, 
Rose Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 
San Pedro Creek, 



lone Creek, 
Still's Creek, 
Hurricane Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 
Owl Creek, 
Caddo Bayou, 
Neches Saline, 
Flat Creek, 
Kickapoo Creek, 
Indian Creek, 
Horseley's Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE ALABAMA CREEK. 



Cypress Creek, 
Beech Creek, 
Big Sandy Creek, 



School Creek, 
Horse-Pen Creek, 
Wood's Ci-eek, 



Turkey Creek, 
Thevenon Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF KICKAPOO CREEK. 
Battle Creek, Beaver Creek, Alligator Creek. 

Murchison's Creek, Greenlevel Creek, 

TRIBUTARIES OF PINE ISLAND. 
Black Creek, Willow Creek, Sour Lake. 

Little Pine Island, Marsh Creek, 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE ANGELINA RIVER. 



Indian Creek, 
Trout Creek, 
Aj'ish Bayou, 
Atoyac River, 
Lavacca Creek, 
Visitador Creek, 



Anderson Creek, 
Durazno Creek, 
Lunana Bayou, 
Little Loco Bayou, 
Big Loco B.ayou, 
Big Shawnee Creek, 



Horse Creek, 
Turnpike Creek, 
Mud Creek, 
West Fork, 
Oapaw Creek, 
Hayes Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF BIG SHAWNEE CREEK. 
Indian Creek, Stroker's Creek, East Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OF AYISH BAYOU. 



Gibbs' Creek, 
Rock Creek, 
Bear Creek, 



Sandy Creek, 
Cheamon Creek, 



Cadasso Creek, 
Turkey Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE ATOYAC RIVER. 



Curry Creek, 
Nicipcr Creek, 
Arenoso Bayou, 
Amolodara Bayou, 



Hooper's Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Tcstifor Creek, 
Naconichi Creek, 



Wande's Creek, 
Bear Creek, 
Quark's Creek, 
Golonden's Creek. 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



81 



TRIBUTARIES OF RED RIVER. 



Sulphur Furk, 
RiK Bnyou, 
Red Bnyou, 
Mud Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
Pecan Bayou, 
Basin Creek, 
Little Pine Creek, 
Lower Pine Creek, 
Upper Pine Creek, 
Sanders' Creek, 
Clear Lake, 



Since Creek, 
Bois d'Arc, 
Jennet's Creek, 
Sandy's Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 
Choctaw Bayou, 
Mill Creek, 
Iron Ore Creek, 
Shawnee Creek, 
Little Mineral Creek, 
Big Mineral Creek, 



Sandy Creek, 
Clear Creek, 
Fish Creek, 
Saline Creek, 
Coffee Creek, 
Belknap Creek, 
Little Wichita, 
Big Wichita, 
Pease's River, 
Wanderer's Creek, 
Prairie Dog River, 
Reed's Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF BEAVER CREEK. 



Ella's Creek, 
Minna's Creek, 
Emma's Creek, 



East Fork, 



Darling Creek, 
Pet Creek, 



Lilley's Creek, 
Jenny's Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE LITTLE WICHITA. 
South Fork, North Fork. 

TRIBUTARIES OF THE BIG WICHITA. 



HoUiday's Creek, 
Chureh Creek, 



St. Patrick's Creek, 



Beaver Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF PEASE'S RIVER. 

Rush Springs, Partridge Springs. 



Este's Creek, 

St. James' Springs, 

TRIBUTARIES OF WHITE ROCK CREEK. 
Hawes' Creek, Boxe's Creek, Mustang Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF BOGGY CREEK. 
Seven-Mile Creek, Spring Creek, Leona Creek. 

TRIBUTARIES OF UPPER KEECHI CREEK. 
Birch Creek, Buffalo Creek, Recasca Creek, 

Alligator Creek, Brown Creek, AVheelock Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF PECAN CREEK. 



Brown Creek, 
Bear Creek, 
Pine Oak Creek, 
Tnhaucano Creek, 
Cottonwood Creek, 



(jrindstonc Creek, 
Spring Creek, 
Jlesniarizar's Creek, 
Brier Creek, 
Chambers' Ci'cek, 



Curaming's Creek, 
AVaxaliachie Creek, 
Mill Creek, 
North Fork, 
South Fork. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE BOIS D'ARC, OR THE EAST FORK OF TRINITY 

RIVER. " 

Mezquite Creek, Wilson's Creek, Spring Creek, 

Duek Creek, Ten-Mile Creek, Six-Mile Creek, 

Spring Creek, Honey Creek, Sister Grove Creek, 

Rowlett's Creek, East Fork, Cedar Creek, 

Diirliy's Creek, Hurricane Creek, Pilot Grove Creek. 
B.achus Creek, White's Creek, 

4* 



82 



TEXAS RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES. 



TRIBUTARIES OF CEDAR CREEK, 



Walnut Creek, 
Clear Creek, 
Train Creek, 



Lacey's Fork, 
Ferry Fork, 
Wolf Creek, 



Rocky Creek, 
King's Creek, 
Brushy Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE CLEAR FORK OF THE WEST FORK OF TRINITY. 



Jackson's Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 



Cow Bayou, 
Adam's Bayou, 
Cypress Ba3'ou, 
Cypress, 
Flat Creek, 
Big Cow Creek, 
Honey Creek, 
Quicksand Creek, 
Yellow Bayou, 
Cat Creek, 
Little Cow Creek, 
Clear Creek, 
Hickman's Creek, 
Sandy Creek, 
Sugar Creek, 
Hansen Creek, 
Palo Gacho Bayou, 
Borregas, 
Sabanillo Creek, 
Patroon Creek, 
Marline's Bayou, 
Bay Sip, 



Cane Bayou, 
Kitchen Bayou, 
Grandison's Bayou, 
Frazier's Creek, 



Pilot Knob Creek, 



Gilmore's Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF THE SABINE. 



Ceranie's Creek, 
Bueno Creek, 
Flat Fork of Tencha, 
Teneha, 
Fadden Creek, 
Brushy Creek, 
Wilkerson Creek, 
Murville Cr^ek, 
Mill Creek, * 
Solges' Bayou, 
Antoine's Creek, 
Six-Mile Creek, 
Iron Creek, 
Martin's Creek, 
Hogan's Bayou, 
Jackson's Creek, 
Caddo Creek, 
Quaquaw Creek, 
Eight-Mile Creek, 
Potter's Creek, 
Duflfau's Creek, 
Cherokee Creek, 



Rabbit Creek, 
Harris' Creek, 
Grace's Creek, 
Gum Spring, 
Mill Creek, 
Little Saline, 
Duck Creek, 
White Oak Creek, 
Big Sandy Creek, 
Little Sandy Creek, 
Lake Fork, 
Rock Creek, 
Village Creek, 
Dry Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Saline Creek, 
Beech Creek, 
Crooked Creek, 
Duck Creek, 
West Fork of Sabine, 
Caddo Fork. 



TRIBUTARIES OF CADDO LAKE. 

Simms' Bayou, Prewett's Creek, 



Village Creek, 
Black Bayou, 
Haggerty's Creek, 



Little Cypress, 
Big C\'press. 



TRIBUTARIES OF LITTLE CYPRESS CREEK. 



Morris Creek, 
Wiley's Creek, 
Moore's Creek, 
Page's Creek, 



Eagle Creek, 
Bear Creek, 
Walnut Creek, 
Lily's Creek, 



Clear Creek, 
Caney Creek, 
Kiley's Creek. 



TRIBUTARIES OF BIG CYPRESS CREEK. 



Black Cj'press, 
Johnson's Creek, 
Alley's Creek, 
Holland's Creek, 
Cedar Creek, 
McGrew"s Creek, 



Lillling's Creek, 
Baton's Creek, 
Swanson's Creek, 
Hart's Creek, 
Cow Leach Fork, 
Timber Creek, 



Blundell's Creek, 
Judy's Ci'eek, 
Blair's Creek, 
Dry Creek. 
Horse Creek. 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



83 



ALPHABETICAL TABLE, 

Showing- the Names of all the Streams in Texas, and where they 

empty. 



Adam's Baj-ou, Sabiue River. 

Agua Dolce, Pecan Bayou. 

Agua Dolce, Cutto do log Laurelet!. 

Alabama River Neclies River. 

Alcorn's Creek, Navasoto. 

Alley's Creek Big Cj'prcss Creek. 

Alliffator Creek, Uipper Keechi Creek. 

Alligator Creek, Kiekapoo Creek. 

Alligator Creek, San Gabriel River. 

AUum Creek, Colorado River. 

Amolodara Bayou, Atoyae River. 

Amour Creek, Brady's Creek. 

Anderson's Creek, Angelina River. 

Anderson's Creek, Sulphur. 

Angelina River, Xeches River. 

Anna's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Antelope Creek Colonida River. 

Antelope Creek, Concho River. 

Antelope Creek Brazos River. 

Antonnes Bayou, do 

Aquilla River, Brazos River. 

Aransas Creek, (Julf of Mexico. 

Arenoso Bayou, Atoyae River. 

Armstrong's Creek, Leon River. 

Armagosa, San Fernando. 

Arroyo del Saus, Rid Grande. 

Atascoso River, Nueces River. 

Atoyae River, Angelina River. 

Bastrop Bayou Gulf of Mexico. 

Backbone Creek, Colorado River. 

Balcones Cibolo River. 

Bald Eagle Creek, Mukewater Creek. 

Battle-Ground Creek, Little River. 

Battle Creek, Kiekapoo Creek. 

Bay Sip Sabine River. 

Bachus Creek, East Fork of Trinity River. 

Basin Creek, Red River. 

Bassett's Creek Sulphur. 

Beech Creek, Alabama Creek. 

Bee Creek Sulphur. 

Beaver Creek, Big Wichita. 

Beaver Creek Trinity River. 

Belknap Creek, Red River. 

Bear Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Bear Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Bear Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Bear Creek Little Cypress Bayou. 

Bear Creek, Atoyae River. 

Bear Creek, Llano River. 

Bear Creek, Onion Creek. 

Bear Creek, Brazos River. 



Bear Creek, Ayish Bayou. 

Beaver Creek Kiekapoo Creek. 

Beason's Creek, Brazos River. 

Benedita Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Berry's Creek, South Bosque River. 

Rennet's Creek, Lanipases River. 

Big Chocolate Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Big Brushy Creek, Liivacca River. 

Big Creek, Brazos River. 

Big Creek, Navasto. 

Big Creek, Little Brazos River. 

Big Creek, Lampases River. 

Big Loco Bayou, Angelina River. 

Big Shawnee Creek, do 

Big Creek, Neches River. 

Big Piuey, do 

Big Sands, Alabama Creek. 

Big CoMT Creek, Sabiue River. 

Big Sandy Creek, do 

Big Cypress Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Big Creek, Trinity River. 

Big Bayou, Red River. 

Big Mineral Creek, do 

Big Wichita River, Red River. 

Big Creek, South Fork Sulphur. 

Big Creek, White Oak Bayou. 

Big Creek, Sulphur 

Birch Creek, Na vasoto. 

Birch Creek, do 

Birch Creek, Yegua River. 

Birch Creek, Upper Keechi Creek. 

Bilban's Creek, Neches River. 

Black Creek, Pine Island Bayou. 

Black Bayou, Caddo Lake. 

Blair's Creek, Big Cypress Creek. 

Black Cypress Creek, do 

Blanco..., Mission River. 

Black Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Blanket Creek, Pecan Bayou. 

Bland's Creek, Sulphur. 

Blundell's Creek,.... Big Cypress Creek. 

Blue Creek Colorado River. 

Blutf Creek, West Fork Sabine. 

Blutf Creek South Bosque River. 

Blythe Creek, Sulphur. 

Blufi" Creek Brazos R iver. 

Boiling Fork, Concho River. 

Bois d'Arc, North Fork Sulphur. 

Bois d'Arc, Red River. 

Bois d'Arc Creek, do 

Bois d'Arc Creek, Trinity River. 



84 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



Boggy Creek, Brazos River. 

Boggy Creek, Trinity River. 

Boggy Creek, Sulphur. 

Bonito Creek, Ataseoso River. 

Bonnet Creek, San Saba River. 

Boon's Creelv, Trinity River. 

Booth's Creek, Sulphur. 

Borregas Creek, Sabine River. 

Bosque East, Brazos River. 

Bosque Middle, South Bosque River. 

Bosque South, Brazos River. 

Bosque North, do 

Boston Creek, Lake Fork Sabine. 

Bowman's Creek, do 

Box Creek, Trinity River. 

Box's Creek, AVhite Rock Creek. 

Brady's Creek, San Saba River. 

Brier Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Bringhara's Creek,. North Fork Sulphur. 

Brooke's Creek, Sulphur. 

Brown's Fork, Pecan Bayou. 

Brown's Creek, Upper Keechi Creek. 

Brown's Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Brushy Creek, Cedar Creek. 

Brushy Creek, Red River. 

Brushy Creek, Sabine River. 

Brushy Creek, Caddo Fork Sabine. 

Brazos River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Brushy Lower Creek, Lavacca River. 

Brushy Big Creek, do 

Brushy Creek, Navcdad River. 

Bray's Bayou, Buifalo Bayou, 

Brushy Creek, Brazos River. 

Brushy CreeK, Little River. 

Brushy Creek, Neehes River. 

Bi'ushy Creek, Sabine River. 

Bruton's Creek, do 

Brushy Creek, South Fork Sulphur. 

Bull-Head Creek, Hickory Creek. 

Bushy Creek, Colorado River. 

Burnet's Creek, Hondo River. 

Buckner's Creek, Colorado River. 

Buffalo Creek, San Saba River. 

Burnet Creek, Pecan Bayou. 

Buffalo Creek, Llano River. 

Buck Creek, Brazos River. 

Buck Creek, Navasoto River. 

Buffalo Creek, do 

Buck Creek, Ncches River. 

Buck Creek, Sabine Creek. 

Buck Creek, Navasoto River. 

Buffalo Creek, do 

Buck Creek, Neehes River. 

Buck Creek, Sabine Creek. 

Buffalo Creek, Upper Keechi .Creek. 

BuUard's Creek, Bois d'Arc Creek. 



Caddo Creek, "Wrest Fork of Trinity. 

Caddo Fork, do 

Caddo Creek, Sabine River. 

Caddo Creek, Sabine River. 

Caddo Fork, do 

Caddo Creek, WestFork of Trinity. 

Calaveras Creek, San Antonio River. 

Camp Creek, Trinity River. 

Camp Creek, San Saba River. 

Camp Creek, Trinity River. 

Caney, White Oak Bayou. 

Cane Creek Sabine River. 

Caney Creek, do 

Cane Creek do 

Caney Creek, Trinity River.. 

Caney Creek, do 

Caney Creek, Red River. 

Caney, Sulphur. 

Caney Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Canoe Bayou, do 

Caney Creek, San Jacinto River. 

Canoe Creek, San Mark River. 

Caney Creek,. ..Lake Fork Sabine River. 

Cane Bayou, Caddo Lake. 

Caney Creek, Little Cypress Creek. 

Caney Creek, Trinity River. 

Caney Creek, do 

Caney Creek, Red River. 

Caney Creek,. ..Lake Fork Sabine River. 

Cane Bayou Caddo Lake. 

Caney Creek, Little Cypress Creek. 

Caney Creek, Big Cypi'ess Creek. 

Caney, Sulphur. 

Caney, White Oak Bayou. 

Carrizo Creek, Trinity River. 

Carrizo Creek, do. 

Caranchua, Gulf of Mexico. 

Cai-penter's Bayou., Buffalo Bayou. 

Carvase Creek, Nueces River. 

Caspar Flores, Rio Frio. 

Castleman's Fork, Sandy Creek. 

Catlett's Creek,. .Denton Fork of Trinity. 

Cattish Creek, Trinity River. 

Catfish Creek, do 

Cavasso Croek, Rio Frio. 

Cavasso Creek, Trinity River. 

Cazada de Reaux, Rio Frio. 

Cedar Creek, Trinity River. 

Cedar Bluff Creek, do 

Cedar Creek,.East Fork of Trinity River. 

Cedar Bayou Gulf of Mexico. 

Cedar Lake Bayou, do 

Cedar Creek, Colorado River. 

Cedar Creek, do 

Ceres Creek Brady's Creek. 

Cedar Creek, Brazos River. 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



85 



Ccdron Creek, Brazos River. 

Cedar Creek, Yes^ua River. 

Cedar Creek, Saliine River. 

Cedar Creek Bijr Uyi>ri'st< Creelc. 

Centre Creek, AVest Yovk Trinity. 

Ceranie's Creek, Sabine Creek. 

Chamber's Creek,...". Pecan Creek. 

Chacon Rio Frio. 

Cheamon Creek Ayish Baj-oii. 

Cherokee Creek, Colorado River. 

Clear Creek, do 

Cherokee Creek, Sabine Creek. 

Cherokee Creek Cedar Creek. 

Cherokee Creek San Saba River.. 

Chiltipin Creek, Cutto de los Laureles. 

Chieanatillo, Ataseo.«o River. 

Childres Creek, Brazos River. 

Chiltipin, Aransas River. 

Chupadcras Creek,.... San Antonio River. 

Chiltipin Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Chocolate Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Christmas Creek, Navasoto River. 

Choctaw Bayou, San Jacinto River. 

Chocolate Creek, Lavacca River. 

Church Creek Big Wichita Creek. 

Crump's Creek, Clear Fork of Brazos. 

Cibolo River San Antonio River. 

Clarke's Creek, Lavacca River. 

Clapp's Creek, Trinity liiver. 

Clay's F(irk Little River. 

Clear Fork, do 

Clear Creek, Cedar Creek. 

Clear Creek San Jacinto River. 

Clear Creek .San Jacinto Hivcr. 

Clear Fork Sandy Creek. 

Clear Creek,. .......Little Cypress Bayou. 

Clear Creek, Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Clear Creek Gulf of Mexico. 

Clear Creek Sabine River. 

Clear Fork, Brazos River. 

Cleto Creek, San Antonio River. 

Clear Lake Red River. 

Coffee-Mill Creek. Bois d'Arc Creek. 

Cocbino Bayou Xechcs River. 

Cow Bayou Sabine River. 

Cow Creek Little, do 

Cow Creek Bijr do 

Cow Leach Creek, do 

Cooper's Creek Elm fork Trinity. 

Cottonwood Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Coffee Creek, Red River. 

Colorado River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Copano Creek do 

Cottonwood Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Comanche Creek, Nueces River. 

Comanche Creek, Llano River. 



Comal Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Colcto Creek do 

Cottonwood Creek, do 

Columbus Creek. San Antonio River. 

Cottonwood Creek, do 

Cow Creek, Colorado River. 

Concho River, do 

Cow Creek, Brazos River. 

Cow Creek, do 

Cow-house Creek, Leon River. 

Coryell Creek, do 

Conner's Creek, Neches River. 

Cox's Creek Guadalupe River. 

Crooked Creek West Fork of Trinity. 

Crockett Creek,... North fork of Sulphur. 

Crooked Creek, Sabine Creek. 

Crystal Creek, San Jacinto River. 

Crotou Creek Brazos River. 

Cuerro Creek Rio Grande. 

Cucvas Creek do 

Curry's Creek G uadalupe River. 

Cuerro Creek do 

Curry's Creek, Atoyac River. 

Cumming's Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Cuthard's Creek, Sulphur. 

Cypress Creek, Sulphur. 

Cypress Creek, Guadalupe River. 

C3'press Creek, Colorado River. 

Cypress Creek, Perdiuales River. 

Cypress Bayou, Spring Creek. 

Cypress Creek, Alabama Creek. 

Cypress Bayou, Sabine River. 

Cypress Creek...... Sabine River. 

Dalby's Creek, Sulphur. 

David's Creek, Colorado River. 

Darljy's Creek, East Fork of Trinity, 

Darling Creek, Red River. 

Davis Creek South Bayou. 

Davison's Creek, Yegiia River. 

Deep Creek, San Saba River. 

Debiware Creek, Pecan Bayou. 

Devil Creek, Rio Grande. 

Deer Creek, Denton Fork of Trinity. 

Deer Creek, Na vasoto. 

Deer Creek, Brazos River. 

Deer Creek, Sandy Creek. 

Deer Creek Colorado River. 

Deer Creek, Rio Frio. 

Deer Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Denton Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Delaware Creek, Brazos River. 

Devil's Jump Creek Navasoto 

Denton Fork Trinity. 

Delaware Creek, Sulphur. 

Dickinson Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Dickinson Creek, Neches River. 



86 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



Double Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Dos Salatrillas, Cibolo River. 

Double Horn Creek, Colorado Rive. 

Dove Creek, Concho River. 

Douglas Creek, Lavacca River. 

Doe Run, Brazos River. 

Double Mountain Fork, do 

Donohoe Creek, Little River. 

Dorr's Creek, Brazos River. 

Doctor's Creek,. .South Fork of Sulphur. 

Duck Creek, Navasoto. 

Duck Creek, Licor River. 

Duflfan's Creek, North Bosque River. 

Duncan's Creek, Leon River. 

Durazno Creek, Angelina River. 

Duck Creek, Sabine River 

Duffon's Creek do 

Duck Creek, do 

Duck Creek, do 

Duck Creek,..East Fork of Trinity River. 

Dripping Spring, Onion Creek. 

Dry Fork, Spring Ci-eek. 

Dry Fork of Brushy, Little River. 

Dry Creek, Sabine River. 

Dry Creek, do 

Dry Creek, Big Cypress Creek. 

Dry Creek, Elm Fork of Trinity. 

East Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Eagle Creek, San Antonio River. 

Eagle Lake, Colorado River. 

East Mustang Creek, Navedad River. 

East Sandy Creek, do 

East San Jacinto River,. .San Jacinto R. 

East Union Bayou, Brazos River. 

Eagle Creek, Little Cypress Creek. 

East Fork, Trinity River. 

East Creek, Little "Wichita River. 

East Bosque River,. North Bosque River. 

East Fork, Big Shawnee Creek. 

East Fork, East Fork of Trinity. 

Edmonson's Creek, Sulphur. 

Edward's Creek, Trinity River. 

Eight-Mile Creek, Sabine River. 

Elizabeth's Creek, Denton Fork of Trinity. 

Elkhart's Creek do 

Elm Creek, Rio Grande. 

Elm Creek, Nueces River. 

Elm Bayou, Guadalupe River. 

Ella's Creek, Beaver Creek. 

Elm Creek, Brazos River. 

Elm Creek, Clear Fork of Brazos. 

Elm Creek, Cibolo River. 

Elm Creek, Sandy Creek. 

Elm Creek, San Saba River. 

Elm Fork, Llano River. 

Elm Creek, do 



Elm Creek, Little River. 

Elm Creek, Neches River. 

Elm Creek, Lake Fork of Sabine. 

Elm Fork, Trinity River. 

Emma's Creek Beaver Creek. 

Este's Creek, Pease River. 

Escondido, San Fernando. 

Espantoso, do 

Escondido Creek, San Antonio River. 

Euphrosyne Creek, Brady's Creek. 

Eumonia Creek, Colorado River. 

Evan's Creek, Clear Fork of Brazos. 

Fadden's Creek, do 

Fall Creek, Colorado River. 

Fall Creek, North Bosque River. 

Ferris Creek Cedar Creek. 

Fish-Pond Creek Brazos River. 

Fish Creek, do 

Fish Creek, Colorado River. 

Fish Creek, Clear Fork Brazos. 

Fish Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Fish Creek, Red River. 

First Yegua, Yegua River. 

Findley's Creek, ....Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Eive-Mile Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Five-Mile Creek, Sandy Creek. 

Five-MUe Creek, Trinity River. 

Flat Creek, Neches River. 

Flat Creek, Sabine River. 

Flat Fork of Tencha do 

Flat Creek, Black Cypress Creek. 

Flat Creek, Sulphur. 

Flora's Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Forked Lake, Nueces River. 

Fossil Creek,. ..Denton Fork of Trinity. 

Fort Creek, ^ Brazos River. 

Foyle Creek, ...Clear Fork of the Brazos. 

Francisco Perez, Rio Frio. 

Frazier's Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Fulcher's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Gareitas Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Gibbon's Creek, Navasoto River. 

Gibbs' Creek Avish Bayou. 

Gilmore's Creek, Clear fork of W.fork Tr. 

Gilbert's Creek Red River. 

Gilbert's Crefek, Bois d'Arc. 

Glade Creek, Sabine River. 

Golonden's Creek, Atoyac River. 

Good Spring Creek, do 

Goose Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Grace Creek, Sabine River. 

Grape Creek, Concho River. 

Grape Creek, San Saba River. 

Grape Creek, Perdinales River. 

Grass Creek, Brazos River. 

Gran dison's Bayou Caddo Lake. 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



87 



Grave Creek Trinitj- River. 

Green Lake Guadalupe River. 

Green Brier Creek, Peean Baj-on. 

Green's Bayou Buffalo Bayou. 

Green's Creek North Bosque River. 

Green Level Creek, Kiekapoo Creek. 

Grindstone Creek, Peean Creek. 

Guadalu))e River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Guest Creek, Sulphur. 

Gum Spring, Sabine River. 

Hall's Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Haggerty's Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Hamilton's Creek, Colorado River. 

Harmon's Creek Trinitj'. 

Harper's Pony Creek, Neches River. 

Harris Creek, Sabine River. 

Hart's Creek, Big Cypress Creek. 

Haye's Creek, Angelina River. 

Hebe Creek, Brady's Creek. 

Hickory Creek,. .North Fork of Sulphur. 

Highland Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Highland Creek, San Marcos River. 

Hickory Creek, San Saba River. 

Hickory Creek, Llano River. 

Hill Creek Brazos River. 

High Bluff Creek do 

Hill Creek Sabine River. 

Hickman Creek, do 

Hickory Creek, .Elm Creek of Trinity R. 

HoUiday's Creek Big Wichita River. 

Honey Creek, ...East Pork of Trinity R. 

Howe's Creek, White Rock Creek. 

Horse Creek, Sabine River. 

Honey Creek,. ...South Fork of Sulphur. 

Housen's Creek, Sabine River. 

Hogan's Creek do 

Holland's Creek Big Cypress Creek. 

Honey Creek, ...North Fork of Sulphur. 

Hondo River Rio Frio. 

Hondo Creek, San Antonio River. 

Honey Grove Creek,... Bois d'Arc Creek. 

Hondo Creek, do 

Horse Creek Colorado River. 

Home Creek do 

Howard's Creek, San Salia River. 

Honey Creek Llano River. 

Horde's Creek, Mukewater Creek. 

Horse-Pen Bayou, Buffalo Bayou. 

Hog Creek Brazos River. 

Holland's Creek Navasoto. 

Hog Creek. Little Brazos River. 

Hog Creek, South Bosque River. 

Honey Creek, North Bosque River. 

Hole Creek, Clear Fork of Brazos. 

Horse Creek, Angelina River. 

Horse Creek, White Oak Bayou. 



Ilorscley's Creek, Neches River. 

Horse-Pen Creek, Alabama Creek. 

Hooper's Creek, Atoyac River. 

Hunting Bayou, Buffalo Bayou. 

Hurricane Bayou, San Jacinto River. 

Hubbard's Creek, Clear Fork Brazos. 

Hurricane Creek, Neches River. 

Huannab Creek, Sabine River. 

Hugh's Creek Black Cypress. 

Hurricane Bayou, Trinity River. 

Hurricane Creek,..East Fork of Trinity. 

Indian Creek, Nueces River. 

Indian Creek, Little River. 

Indian Creek Leon River. 

Indian Creek, Angelina River. 

Indian Creek, Big Shawnee Creek. 

Indian Creek, Neches River. 

Indian Creek, Colorado River. 

Iron Creek, Brazos River. 

Iron Creek, do 

lone Creek do 

lone Creek Neches River. 

Iron Creek Sabine River. 

Iron-Ore Creek Red River. 

Irish Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Isaac's Creek, do 

Jackson's Creek, Sabine River, 

Jane's Creek Guadalupe River. 

Jacob's Creek, do 

James' Creek, Llano River. 

Jack's Creek, Lavacca River. 

Jackson's Creek, Brazos River. 

Jarancahuas San Fernando. 

Jackson's Cr.Clear Fork of W.Fork of Tr. 

Jennet's Creek, Red River. 

Jenny's Creek, Beaver Creek. 

Jenningham's Cr.. South Fork of Sulphur. 

Jcnning's Creek, Colorado River. 

Jim Ned Creek Mukewater Creek. 

Jim's Bayou Caddo Lake. 

John's Creek... .South Fork of Sulpher. 

Jordan Creek Elm Fork of Trinity. 

.Joshua's Creek Guadalupe River. 

Jones' Creek Colorado River. 

Jones' Creek Llano River. 

Jones' Creek Little River. 

Johnson's Creek Big Cj-press Creek. 

Joe's Bayou Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Judy's Creek Big Cypress. 

Jupiter's Creek Brady's Creek, 

Katomsey's Creek, San Saba River. 

Keechi Creek, Trinity River. 

Kendal's Creek, Rio Frio, 

Kelley's Creek, Black Cypress Bayou. 

Kiley's Creek, Little Cypress Bayou. 

Kioway Creek, Concho River. 



88 



THE NAMES OE THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



Kickapoo Creek, Colorado River. 

Kickapoo Ci-eek, Coucho River. 

Kickapoo Creek, Sulphur. 

Kickapoo Creek, Trinity Rivei". 

Kickapoo Creek, Brazos River. 

Kickapoo Creek do 

Kickapoo Creek, Necbes River. 

King's Creek, Neelies River. 

King's Creek, Cedar Creek. 

Kitchen Creek, Big Cypress Bayou. 

Kuykendall's Creek, Bi-azos River. 

La Bahia, do 

Lacey's Fork, Cedar Creek. 

Lake Creek, Trinity River. 

Lake Fork, Sabine River. 

Lake Creek, do 

Lake Creek, South Fork of Sulphur. 

Lake Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Lake Creek, Pecan Bayou. 

Lake Creek, Brazos River. 

Lake Creek, San Jacinto. 

Lake Creek, do 

Lake Creek, Navasoto River. 

Lake Creek, Little River. 

Lampases River, do 

Lapan Creek, Concho River. 

La Parita, Atascoso River. 

La Nuna Bayou, Angelina River. 

Lavacca Creek, do 

Lavacea River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Laureles Creek, do 

La Garza Creek, Nueces River. 

La Parra, do 

La Gunna, Rio Frio. 

La y esta, Aransas River. 

Leona River, Rio Frio River. 

Leona Creek, Llano River. 

Leon River, Little River. 

Leon South, Leon River. 

Leona Creek, Boggy Creek. 

Little Cj'press Creek, Colorado River. 

Little Llano, Llano River. 

Little Lake Creek, San Jacinto. 

Little Brazos, Brazos River. 

Little River, do 

Little^Elni Pork,...Clear Fork of Brazos. 

Live Oak Creek, Leon River. 

Little Loco Bayou, Angelina River. 

Little Pine Island Bayou,. ..Pine Island. 

Little Mustang Creek, Sulphur. 

Little River, Brazos River. 

Little Wichita, Red River. 

Little Sabine Creek, Sabine River. 

Little Sandy Creek do 

Little C^'press Creek, Sabine River. 

Lining's Creek, Big Cypress Creek. 



Little Elm Creek,. ..Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Little Pine Creek, Red River. 

Little Mineral Creek do 

Little Wichita, do 

Lily's Creek, Beaver Creek. 

Live Oak Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Linn Bayou, do 

Live Oak Creek, Nueces River. 

Lipan Creek, Atascoso River. 

Live Oak Creek Hondo River. 

Los Moras Creek, Rio Grande. 

Los Olmos Creek, Sandy Creek. 

Longham's Creek, Sulphur. 

Las Muellas, Nueces River. 

Long Point Creek, Colorado River. 

Love Creek, do 

Lower Brushy Creek, Lavacca River. 

Lower Rocky Creek, Navedad River. 

Long Creek, Brazos River. 

Loco Little Bayou, Angelina River. 

Loco Big Bayou, do 

Loafer's Creek....Elm Fork of Trinity R. 

Long King's Creek Trinity River. 

Lost Creek, do 

Lower Pine Creek, Red River. 

Lucas Creek, Atascoso River. 

Luce Bayou, San Jacinto River. 

Llano River, Colorado River. 

Lynch Creek, do 

Lynn Creek, Brazos River. 

Lyon Creek, Navasoto River. 

Lynn Creek, do 

Maverick's Creek, Rio Grande. 

Manahuila Creek,.. ..San Antonio River. 

Martines River, Cibolo River. 

Marble Creek, Colorado River. 

Manchaca's Spring, Onion Creek. 

March Creek, Pine Island Bayou. 

Marline's Bayou, Sabine River. 

Marting Creek, do 

Martin's Creek, Trinity River. 

Marcell's Creek,. North Fork of Sulphur. 

Medina River, San Antonio River. 

Medio or Middle Creek, do 

Melon Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Melon Creek, Mission River. 

Menard's Creek, Trinity River. 

jMerrick's Creek,.. South Fork of Sulphur. 

Meridian Creek, North Bosque. 

Mesmarizar's Creek, Upper Keechi Creek. 
Mezquite Creek,.. ..East Fork of Trinity. 

Mezquite Creek, Hickory Creek. 

Mezquite Creek Brazos River. 

Mezquite Creek, Lampases River. 

Middle Fork, Spring Creek. 

Middle Fork, San Jacinto River. 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



89 



Middle Fork, Pecnn Bnyon. 

Middle Bosque South Bosque River. 

Middle Fork, of South Fork of Sulphur. 

Mill Creek Sprinj^ Creek. 

Mill Creek, do 

Mill Creek, Neches River. 

Mill Creek Sabine River. 

Mill Creek do 

Mill Creek, West Fork of Trinity. 

Mill Creek Red River. 

Mill Creek, Trinity River. 

Mill Creek, do 

Mill Creek Pecan Creek. 

Mill Creek do 

Mill Creek Brazos River. 

Mill Creek, Llano River. 

Miller's Creek Perdinales River. 

Miller's Creek Mission River. 

McKenzie's Creek, Navasoto. 

McGrew's Creek Sabine River. 

McKinney 's Creek, Sulphur. 

Mineral Creek, Navasoto River. 

Mina's Creek, Red River. 

Miner's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Mineral Big Creek, Red River. 

Mineral Little Creek, do 

Mission River Gulf of Mexico. 

Mixon's Creek Navedad River. 

Mocorera Creek Mission River. 

Moore's Creek do 

Morrison's Creek, Neebes River. 

Morris's Creek, Little Cypress Creek. 

Mose's Bayou Gulf of Mexico. 

Mound Creek San Jacinto River. 

Mound Creek, Trinity River. 

Mountain Creek do 

Mustang Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Mustang Creek, Nueces River. 

Mule Creek St. Mark's River. 

Mukewater Creek, Colorado River. 

Mulatto Creek North Fork Colorado. 

Mustang West Creek,... Navedad River. 

Mustang East Creek,. do 

Mustang Creek, Lavacea River. 

Mustang Creek, Navasoto River, 

Mud Creek, Red River. 

Mud Creek, Angelina River. 

Murchison's Creek, Kiokapoo Creek. 

Murvillc Creek, Sabine River. 

Mustang Creek White Rock. 

Mustang Little Creek, Sulphur. 

Mustang Big Creek do 

Mulberry Creek do 

Naconichi Creek Atoyac River. 

Nail's Creek Yegua River. 

Nash's Creek Guadalupe Rivor. 



Navedad River, Laraoca River- 

Navasoto River Brazos River- 

Neches River Gulf of Mexico- 
Neptune Creek Brady's Creek. 

New Year's Creek, Brnzos River. 

Neil's Creek, North Bosque. 

Neches Sabine, Neches River. 

Negro Creek, Trinity River. 

Nelson's Creek, do 

Nelson's Creek, East fork Trinity. 

Niciper Creek, Atoj-ac Creek. 

Niblet's Creek, ....East San Jacinto Rivr. 

Noland's River,...., Brazos River. 

North Sandy Creek, Navedad River. 

North Fork, Colorado River. 

North Fork, Concho River. 

North Fork, Pecan Bayou. 

North Fork, Llano River. 

North Fork, Perdinales River. 

North Fork, Lampases River. 

North Fork, Pecan Creek. 

North Fork, Red River. 

North Fork, Little Wichita River. 

North Fork, Sulphur. 

North Fork, San Gabrcl River. 

Noland's Creek, Little River. 

Nueces River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Oak Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Oapaws Creek, Angelina River. 

Old River, Trinity River. 

Olivers Creek, Denton Fork Trinity. 

Oliver's Creek, West Fork of Trinity. 

011a River do 

Olmns Creer, San Antonio River. 

Onion Creek, Colorado River. 

Oso Creek, do 

Otter Creek, San Saba River. 

Otto Creek Trinity River. 

Otter Creek, Brazos River. 

Our Creek, Llano River. 

Our Creek do 

Owl Creek, Leon River. 

Owl Creek, , Neches River. 

Owl Creek, do 

Oyster Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Oyster Creek, do 

Page's Creek Little Cypress Creek. 

Paint Creek Pecan Bayou. 

Paint Rock Creek, Llano River. 

Paista Creek, do 

Palm Creek, San Antonio River. 

Palmetto Creek, do 

Palo Gncho Bayou, Sahine River. 

Palo Pinto Brazos River. 

Panitas Creek Nueces River. 

Papelote Creek, Aransas River. 



90 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



Parker's Creek, Hondo. 

Parker's Creek, Trinity River. 

Partrick's Creek, Brazos River. 

Patridge Creek, Leon River. 

Partridge Springs, Pease's River. 

Patroon Creek, do 

Pecan Bayou, do 

Pecan Bayou, Colorado River. 

Pecan Creek, Llano River. 

Pecan Creek, San Galoriel River. 

Pecan Creek, Trinity River. 

Pecan Creek, Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Pecan Creek, Nueces River. 

Peach Creek, San Jacinto River. 

Peach Creek, Navasoto River. 

Peach Creek, do 

Pedro's Creek, Rio Grande. 

Pease's River, Red River. 

Perdido Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Perdinales River, Colorado River. 

Pet Creek, Beaver Creek. 

Phineas' Creek, Brazos River. 

Pilot Grove Creek,. .East fork of Trinity. 
Pilot Knob Creek, Elm Fork of W. F. Tr. 

Pin Oak Creek, Little Brazos River. 

Pin Oak Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Pine Creek Little, Red River, 

Pine Creek Lower, do 

Pine Creek Upper, do 

Pin Oak Creek, Colorado River. 

Pintos, Cutto de los Laureles. 

Piney Creek, do 

Piney Creek, Brazos River. 

Pleasant Run Creek, Trinity River. 

Plum Creek, St. Mark River. 

Pluminer's Creek, Navasoto River. 

Plum Creek, Leon River. 

Post Oak Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Pomona Creek, Colorado River. 

Pompey's Creek, Pecan Bayou. 

Ponton Creek, Lavacca River. 

Pond Creek, Brazos River. 

Poluxy River, do 

Potter's Creek, Sabine River. 

Pool's Creek, Trinifv River. 

Pond Creek, Elm Fork of'Trinity. 

Powder Creek, Bois d'Arc Creek. 

Prairie Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Prairie Creek San Jacinto River. 

Prairie-Dog River, Red River. 

Prewett's Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Price's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Puenta de la Piedra, Nueces River. 

Quark's Creek, Atoyac River. 

Quihi Hondo River. 

Quero Creek, Guadalupe. 



Quicksand Creek, Sabine River. 

Quaquaw Creek, do 

Rancheros Creek, Atascoso. 

Rabb's Creek, Colorado River. 

Race Creek, Brazos River. 

Rabbit Creek, Sabine River. 

Range Creek, Jordan's Creek. 

Besaca, San Fernando. 

Rebecca's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Redgate Creek, Colorado River. 

Red Creek, ..North Fork Colorado River. 

Red Oak Creek, Trinity River. 

Red Bear Creek, Brazos River. 

Red Bayou do 

Reed's Creek, Red River. 

Rescasca Creek, Upper Keechi. 

Resley's Creek, Leon River. 

Rice's Creek, Sulphur. 

Richland Creek, Mission Creek. 

Richland Creek, San Saba River. 

Right Creek, Eim Fork of Trinity. 

Rio Grande, Gulf of Mexico. 

Rio Frio, Nueces River. 

Rio Blanco, St. Mark River. 

Ripley's Creek,. .North Fork of Sulphur. 

Robinson's Creek, do 

Rock Creek Sabine River. 

Rock Creek, North Fork of Sulphur. . 

Rock Creek, White Oak Creek. 

Rock Creek Brazos River. 

Rock Creek Ayish Bayou. 

Rocky Creek, Colorado River. 

Rocky Upper Creek, Navedad River. 

Rockey Lower do 

Rocky Creek, Sulphur. 

Rocky Creek Navasoto River. 

Rocky Creek Cedar Creek. 

Rosolio Creek, Cibolo River. 

Rose Creek Neches River. 

Rough Creek, Colorado River. 

Rowlett's Creek. ..East Fork of Trinity. 

Russell's Creek Neches River. 

Rush Creek Trinity River. 

Rush Springs Pease's River. 

Sabinas Creek, Guadalupe. 

Sabinas Atascoso. 

Sabanillo Creek, Sabine River. 

Sabinal, Rio Frio. 

Sabine River Gulf of Mexico. 

Sabinas Creek, Guadalupe. 

Sabine Creek, Colorado River. 

Saco River, Hondo River. 

Saco River Mission River. 

Saline Creek, Trinity River. 

SalinasCreek Llano River. 

Salt Creek,.. North Fork Colorado Kiver. 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVEKS OF TEXAS, 



91 



Saline Creek Red River. 

Salatrilli Ciliolo River. 

Siila<l() do 

Salt Fork Sandy Creek. 

Saline Creek Sabine River. 

Salado Creek, San Antonio. 

Salt Creek Bra zos River. 

Sal Colorado, Gulf of Mexico. 

Saline Creek, do 

San Saba River, Colorado River. 

San Fernando Llano River. 

San Gabriel,... Little River. 

San Pedro Creek, Neehcs River. 

San Jacinto River, Gulf of Mexico. 

San Bernard, do 

San Hernando do 

San Auibro.-'ia, Rio Grande. 

San Pedro, do 

San Felipe do 

San Gertrudes, San Fernandas. 

San Diego, do 

San Marj;il, Rio Frio. 

San Pedro Springs, San Antonio. 

San Christoval, Atascosa. 

San Antonio River Guadalupe. 

San Geroninio Creek, do 

Sandy Creek, do 

Sandy Creek, Colorado River. 

Sandy Creek Navedad River, 

Sandy North Creek, do 

Sandy West Creek, do 

Sandy East Creek .'. do 

Sandy South Creek, do 

Sandy Creek San Jacinto River. 

Sandy Creek, Spring Creek. 

Sandy Creek, N.avasoto River. 

Sandy Creek Little River. 

Sandy Creek, Ayisli Bayou. 

Sandy Creek Xeclios River. 

Sandy Creek Sabine River. 

Sandy Little Creek do 

Sandy Creek, West Fork of Trinity. 

Sandy Creek, Red River. 

Sandy Creek, do 

Sandy Creek,. ...North Fork of Sulphur. 

Santa Clara, Cibolo River. 

Saus Creek ilission River. 

Saunder's Creek Red River. 

School Creek, Alabama Creek. 

School Creek Lanipases River. 

Scott's Creek Black Cypress Creek. 

Second Yegua Yegua River. 

Seven -Mile Creek, Boggy Creek. 

Shawnee Creek Ncclies River. 

Shawnee Creek, Red River. 

Shoal Creek, Sulphur. 



Short Creek, South Fork of Suliiluir. 

Siiuiiiond's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Simpson's Creek, San Saba River. 

Simni's Bayou, Buffalo Bayou. 

Simm's Creek, Lampases River. 

Sister's Creek Guadalupe River. 

Sister Grove Creek,East Fork of Trinity. 

Si.v-Mile Creek, Sabine River. 

Six-Mile Creek, Trinity River. 

Skull Creek, Colorado River. 

Slaughter's Creek, Onion Creek. 

Sloan's Creek Bois d'Are. 

Sluce Creek Red River. 

Smith Creek, Trinity River. 

Snake Spring Brady's Creek. 

Solges Bayou, Sabine Creek. 

South Fork, Concho River. 

South Fork, Pecan Baj-ou. 

South Fork Llano River. 

South Sandy Creek, Navidad River. 

South Bosque River, Brazos River. 

South Creek, Little Brazos River. 

South Fork, San Gabriel River. 

South Leon, Leon River. 

South Fork, Pecan Creek. 

South Fork. Little Wichita River. 

South Fork, Sulphur. 

Sour Lake, Pine Island Bayou, 

Spare Rib Creek, Colorado River. 

Striker's Creek, Big Shawnee Creek. 

Spring Creek, Nueces River. 

Spring Creek, San .Tacinto. 

Smile Creek Brazos River. 

Spring Creek lo 

Spring Creek, Colorado River. 

Spring Creek, do 

Spring Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Spring Creek, Guadalupe River. 

S|iriug Creek, Neclies River. 

Spring Creek, Navasoto River. 

Spring Creek, Little Brazos River. 

Spring Creek, North Bosque River. 

Spring Creek Boggy Creek. 

Spring Creek Pecan Creek. 

Spring Creek East Fork of Trinity. 

Spring Creek do 

Spring Branch Buffalo Bayou. 

Spring Branch, San Jacinto. 

St. INIark River (.luadalupc River. 

St. Patrick's Creek, Big Wichita. 

St. James' Spring, Pease's River. 

St. Mark's Creek, Nueces River, 

Stampede Creek Rio Grande, 

Steele's Creek, Navasoto River. 

Steele's Creek, Brazos River. 

Stephen's Creek, Trinity River. 



92 



THE NAMES OF THE RIVERS OF TEXAS. 



Stewart's Creek,.. ..Elm Fork of Trinity. 
Stewart's Creek,. .South Fork of Sulphur. 

Still's Creek, JN'eches River. 

Stolley's Creek, do 

S troad's Creek, do 

Sulphur Spring, Colorado River. 

Supple Jack Creek, Lavacca. 

Sutherland, Creek. 

Sunday Creek, Brazos River. 

Sulphur Fork, Lampases River. 

Siisar Creek. Sabiue River. 

Sulphur Fork, Red River. 

Swauson's Creek, Big Cypress Creek. 

Table Rock Creek, Leon River. 

Tahuacano, Hando River. 

Tahuacano, Brazos River. 

Tahuacano Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Taylor's Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Tencha Creek, Sabine River. 

Tempey's Creek, Trinity River. 

Ten-Mile Creek, do 

Ten-Mile Creek,. ..East Fork of Trinity. 

Terpsichore Creek, Colorado River. 

Testifor Creek, Atoyac River. 

Thalia Creek, Colorado River. 

Thetis Creek do 

Theuvenon Creek, Alabama River. 

Third Yegua, Yegua River. 

Tiger's Creek, San Saba River. 

Tiger Creek, Colorado River. 

Timber Creek, Sabine River. 

Timber Creek, Jordan's Creek. 

Timber Creek, Elm Fork of Trinity. 

Timber Creek, Bois d'Arc Creek. 

Tom's Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Tordillo Creek, Atascosa River. 

Torza Creek, Rio Grande. 

Trading-House Creek, Trinity River. 

Trail Creek, do 

Train Creek Cedar Creek. 

Treadgill's Creek, Hickory Creek. 

Trespalacio, Gulf of Mexico. 

Trinidad, San Fernando. 

Trinity River, Gulf of Mexico. 

Trout Creek, Angelina River. 

Trout Creek, Llano River. 

Turkey Creek, Ayish Bayou. 

Turkey Creek, Alabama River. 

Turkey Creek, Sabine River. 

Turkey Creek, West Fork Trinity. 

Turkey Creek, Trinity River. 

Turkey Creek,.. ..South Fork of Sulphur. 

Turkey Creek, Nueces River. 

Turkey Creek, Atascosa. 

Turkey Creek Guadalupe River. 

Turkey Creek, ; Little River. 



Turkey Creek, North Bosque. 

Tui-npike Creek, Angelina River. 

Turtle Bayou, Gulf of Mexico. 

Turtle Bayou, do 

Turtle Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Turtle Creek, do 

Turtle Creek, Brazos River. 

Twin Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Union Bayou East, Brazos River. 

Union Bayou AVest, do 

Upper Pine Creek, Red River. 

Upper Rock Creek, Navedad River. 

Urania Creek, Colorado River. 

Valley Creek, North Fork Colorado. 

Verde Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Venus Creek, Brady's Creek. 

Viego Creek, Llano River. 

Village Creek, Sabine River. 

Village Creek, Caddo Lake. 

Village Creek,... .South Fork of Trinity. 

Village Creek, Trinity River. 

Village Creek, Neches. 

Village Creek, Sulphur. 

Violet Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Visitador Creek, Angelina River. 

Vulcan Creek, Brady's Creek. 

Waco Creek, Colorado River, 

Walker's Creek, Leon River. 

Wallace Creek, San Saba River. 

Walnut Creek, West Fork of Sabine. 

Walnut Creek, Little Cypress Creek. 

Walnut Creel?, Trinity River. 

Walnut Creek, West Fork of'Trinity. 

Walnut Creek, Cedar Creek. 

Walnut Creek, Clear Fork of W. Fork Tr. 

Walnut Creek, Hickory Creek. 

Walnut Creek, Colorado River. 

Walnut Creek, Neches River. 

Walnut Creek, do 

Walnut Creek, do 

Walnut Creek,. .East San Jacinto River. 

Walnut Creek, Little Brazos River. 

Walnut Creek, Leon River. 

Wanderer's Creek, Red River. 

Wande's Creek, Atoyac River. 

Ward's Creek, Sulphur River. 

Ward's Creek, do 

Ward's Creek, do 

Warring's Creek, Leon River. 

Warranto Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

Wasp Creek Little Brazos River. 

Wasp Creek, Guadalupe River. 

Wave Creek, San Jacinto River. 

Waxahachie Creek, Pecan Creek. 

Weaver Creek, Sulphur Pork. 

Webster's Creek, Colorado River. 



RAILROADS. 93 

West Sandy Creek Navidad River. AYilton Creek, Gulf of Mexico. 

West Mustang Creek do A\'illiam's Creek Colorjido River. 

West Fork Angelina River. Willi. ini.son's Creek,., San Gabriel River. 

West Fork Sabine River. Williamson Creek, Union Creek. 

West Fork Trinity River. Winter's Creek, East San .Taeinto. 

West Union Rayou, Brazos River. AVillow Creek Llano River. 

Wheeloek Creek,. ..East Fork of Trinity. Willow Creek Perdenalcs River. 

White's Creek, do Willow Creek,.., .South Fork of Sulphur. 

Wliite Oak Bayou, Sulphur Fork. AVillow Creek, Spring Creek. 

White Oak Creek, do Willow Creek, Pine Island Bayou. 

White Sulphur Spring, Cibolo River. Wichita, Little River, Red River. 

White Oak Bayou, Buffalo Bayou. Wichita, Big River, do 

White Creek Brazoe> River. Wolf Creek, Cedar Creek. 

White Oak Bayou, Sabine River. AVolf's Creek, Yegua River. 

White Rock Creek, Trinity River. Wood's Creek Alabama Creek. 

Wickson's Creek, Navasoto River. AYright's Creek Trinity River. 

Widerhole Creek Lavaca River. Yegua River Brazos River. 

Wilbarger's Creek, Colorado River. Y'egua First, Y^egua River. 

Wilbarger's Creek do Y'egua Second, do 

Wild Cat Creek,... Trinity River. Y'egua Third, no..; 

Wiley's Creek, Little Cypress Creek. Y'cUow Bayou, Sabine River. 

Wilkeson's Creek, Sabine River. York's Creek, San Marcos River. 

AVilson's Creek, Gulf of Mexico. Zoquette Creek, Rio Grande. 

— -♦*-3#<l!<t€-S-«--^ — 

TEXAS RAILROADS. 

In the following .articles we have endeavored to give a truthful and faithful 
description of the present condition of our several railways that are now in 
process of construction, although we are well aware, from the spirit and energy 
displayed by tlie different Boards of Directors, and the persevering industry with 
which they are pushing forward these enterprises, that ere our book is before the 
public a twelvemonth, our readers who visit Texas will exclaim that the author 
is far behind the age ; for there is no doubt that, unless paralyzed by the condition 
of the money-market both in the Xorth and in Europe, so great will be the increase 
of the number of miles completed, that they will scarcely believe it possible that a 
new country could advance with such rapid strides in works of internal improve- 
ment. AYe therefore beg our readers to bear in mind that our statements are 
founded on things as they are at or near the close of the year 1857, without any in- 
clination to give it a false color for present effect. 

THE HOUSTON AND TEXAS CENTRAL RAU.WAY. 

This road, designed to connect the waters of Galveston Bay with Red River, is 
already completed tifty miles to Hempstead, from Houston. In its course it passes 
through and affords facilities for travel and transportation to the most valuable 
portion of the State. The flat prairie between Houston and the Brazos River, in 
wet weather, is impassable ; and at all times transportation bj' wagons has been 
attended with great labor and cost. At Hempstead the rich cotton-region of the 
Brazos is reached, and from thence north toward Red River, at Preston, the Hue of 
the road passes through the best and most extensive wheat-region in the world. 



94 RAIL ROADS. 

This district of country — comprising about sixteen counties, of wliicli Collin and 
Dallas are central — is unequalled in its capacity for producing wheat. The country 
in its general formation is an undulating prairie, intersected by numerous streams, 
affording pasturage for animals, facility for cultivation, and undoubted great 
wealth to its inhabitants. Heretofore this country has been shut out, for want of 
the means of transportation, and has not been settled ; but now the produce can be 
sent early to market and returns as readily received. It is estimated, by intelli- 
gent parties fully acquainted with the country, that ten million bushels of wheat 
will be sent to market yearly, from that district, over this road alone. 

Forty bushels of wheat per acre, each bushel weighing seventy pounds, have 
been produced ; and the average crop of Collin county for the year 1856 was 
twenty-two and a half bushels per acre. The cotton-lands of the Brazos, through 
which the road passes, in the neighborhood of Hempstead, are unsurpassed. One 
thousand pounds of ginned cotton per acre are often obtained, while corn yields in 
equal abundance. The difficulties in getting to market have in past times prevented 
settlement and cultivation ; but the construction of this road has given an im- 
petus which can only end in filling up the country with an active, thriving popula- 
tion. Besides the immense traffic which must pass over this road, it receives ten thou- 
sand two hundred and forty acres of land from the State for every mile constructed. 
In the neighborhood of this road the immigrant may consult and gratify his 
fancy. If he has negroes in abundance with which to cultivate cotton, the Brazos 
bottoms afford all he can wish ; if, on the other hand, he has a family of grown-up 
boys, he can settle himself upon the rolling prairie, and raise wheat and cattle, or 
either, as he may choose, — always being sure of a ready market for his produce ; 
and, if dissatisfied with the country, he can go with railroad speed and certainty to 
another location, or return to his former home in the States. From Houston to 
Preston, a distance of three hundred and fifty miles, vast tracts of land are un- 
occupied and unclaimed, which, when this railroad is in complete operation, must 
inevitably come into cultivation, filling the land with happiness and plenty. 

Large lumber and flouring mills have been erected the past summer, and the 
whole country feels the good effect of this road. Houston, the railroad-centre of 
the Southwest, affords as well the best market for produce, as the place for procur- 
ing supplies for family and plantation use. 

The produced results upon the cotton and wheat lands are no chimerical specu- 
ations, but fixed, measured facts. 

THE SAN ANTONIO AND MEXICAN GULF RAILROAD, 

Designed to connect Port Lavaca with San Antonio, is in course of construction, 
and has several miles completed iu the direction of Victoria. 

THE MEMPHIS, EL PASO AND PACIFIC RAILROAD 

Connects with the chain of roads passing from the mouth of the Ohio River, and, 
running through Wiscousin and Arkansas, crosses the Red River at Fulton, going 
west to El Paso and San Diego on the Pacific. This road is already in course of 



KAILllOADS. 95 

construction, and will cross the Iloustou and Texas Central in Collin or Dallas 
county. 

THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD 

Enters the State from Shreveport, Louisiana, by way of Marshall, in Ilarrison 
county, pointing toward El Paso and the Pacific. A portion of this road is already 
graded. For a full description of the route over which this railroad passes, refer 
to pages 40 to 51 of this book. 

THE MEXICAN GULF AND HENDERSON RAILROAD, 

Designed to connect Sabine Bay and Henderson, passing through the Eastern 
counties, is in course of construction, having several miles alreadj' graded, and passes 
in its entire course through a heavily-timbered regiorf, and opens up the Eastern 
counties to market. It will form a junction with the Opclousas Road in or near 
Pine Island, in Jefferson county. 

Then comes the Opelotjsas Road, designed to connect Houston with New Or- 
leans by means of the Opclousas Road of Louisiana, and to the completion of 
which its friends look forwai'd at an early day, it being only ninety miles to the 
crossing on the Sabine River, through a country favorable to railroad-building, 
offering a line of traffic and travel without a probability of rivalship, and un- 
equalled for profit in the transportation of cattle and passengers. 

Last, but not least, is the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railroad, over 
which it is expected that trains will pass before the first day of January next from 
Houston to Virginia Point, and thence by steamboat to Galveston, a distance of 
about five miles. This latter link will bo superseded during the year 1858 by a 
bridge which is about being built from Virginia Point to Galveston. When this 
is done there will be an uninterru])ted niilroad-travel of one hundred miles; by aid 
of this road Houston will be placed in certain communication with New Orleans in 
the short space of thirty hours. 

Until within about one year past, Texas has been confined in its transportation 
to the use of the ox-wagon, upon the prairie, often submerged in water, and 
always a slow, difficult, uncertain and expensive method of carriage. Now her 
railroads penetrate the interior. Certainty as to time, and a great reduction in ex- 
pense, are at once obtained ; while in two hours a locomotive takes over fift}' miles 
what a thousand o'x-teams could not have taken in two weeks. The wonders of 
the locomotive are probably more manifest in Texas than elsewhere. With a popu- 
lation as active, intelligent, shrewd and energetic as can be found in America, 
they have been compelled to drag their produce over the level prairies of the 
coast country with sixteen yoke of oxen. That belt of coast prairie has been spanned 
by the railway ; and the steam-engine docs now in hours what it took oxen months 
to do. The country already feels the benefit of the change, and the immigrant as 
well as the settler profits thereby. 



96 



LIST OF ODD-FELLOWS' LODGES. 



LIST OF SUBOHDINATE LODGES 

Working under the jurisdiction of the R. W. Grand Lodge I. 0. of 0. F., commencing 
the 1st day of January and ending the 13th day of June, A.D. 1857. 



LODGES. 



LOCATION. 



TOWN. 

Houston 

Galveston 

Galveston 

Galveston 

Brazos Santiago, 

Victoria 

Brownsville 

San Antonio 

Marshall 

Jefferson 

Henderson 

San Augustine... 

Rusk 

Nacogdoches 

Huntsville 

Elysiau Fields.... 

Paris 

Washington 

Austin 

Shelbyville 

Bastrop 

Quitman 

Tyler 

Indianola 

Centroville 

La Grange 

Salem 

Texana 

Carthage 

Clarksville 

Chatfield's Point, 

Gonzales 

Brenham 

Daingerfield 

Crockett 

Palestine 

Fairfield 

Dallas 

Sherman 

Springfield 

Matagorda 

Lockhart 

San Gabriel 

Houston 

Columbus 

Fredericksburg. . 

Yorktown 

Waco Village 

Anderson 



COUNTY. 

Harris 

Galveston 

Galveston 

Galveston 

Cameron 

Victoria 

Cameron 

Bexar 

Harrison 

Cass 

Rusk 

San Augustine, 

Cherokee 

Nacogdoches... 

Walker 

Harrison 

Lamar 

Washington 

Travis 

Shelby 

Bastrop 

Wood 

Smith 

Calhoun 

Leon 

Fayette 

Rusk 

Jackson 

Panola 

Red River 

Navarro 

Gonzales 

AVashington 

Titus 

Houston 

Anderson 

Freestone 

Dallas 

Grayson 

Limestone 

Matagorda 

Caldwell 

Milam 

Harris 

Colorado 

Gillespie 

DeWitt 

McLennan 

Grimes 



TIME 
OP MEETING. 



Lone Star 

Galveston 

Herman's 

Chosen Friends'. 

Pioneer , 

Victoria 

Excelsior 

San Antonio 

JohnM. Gibson.. 

Ida 

Shawnee 

Aies 

Washington 

Rankin 

Walker 

Elysian 

Wildey 

Star 

Milam 

Dual 

Bastrop 

Orphans' Friend 

William Tell 

Western Texas... 

Anson 

La Grange 

Forrest Hill 

Jackson 

Eureka 

Colfax 

Holman 

Gonzales 

Cartmell. 

Olive Branch 

Friendship 

Ann Berter 

Eudora 

Dallas 

Sherman 

Ashland 

Matagorda 

Caldwell 

Wildey 

Houston 

Columbus 

Webb 

Rising Star 

Live Oak 

AltaMira 



Tuesday. 

AVednesday. 

Tuesday. 

Thursday. 

Saturday. 

Saturday. 

Tuesday. 

Tuesday. 

Monday. 

Monday. 

Saturday. 

Saturday. 

Saturday. 

Tuesday. 

Friday. 

Saturday. 
I Tuesday. 
[ Thursdaj'. 

Tuesday. 

Monday. 

Friday. 

Saturday. 

Thursday. 
! Saturday. 
I Saturday. 
j Friday. 

Saturdaj'. 

Monday. 

Monday. 

Friday. 

Monday. 

Tuesday. 

Mondaj'. 

Wednesday, 

Monday. 

Monda}'. 

Saturdaj-. 

Tuesdaj'. 

Friday. 

Tuesday. 

Friday. 

Saturday. 

Monday. 

Saturday. 

Monday. 

Monday. 

Monday. 

Monday. 



RATES OF POSTAGE. 



97 



LODGES. 


;^ 


LOCATIOX. 


TIME 


TOAVN. 


COUNTY. 


OF MEETING. 


LaVinday Le Hue. 


56 

57 
58 
59 
60 
61 
62 
()3 
64 
65 
66 




Milam Tuesday. 

Washington Thursday. 

Cherokee 


Independence 

I;aiissa 

llallctsville 




Ark 


Lavaca ' Saturday. 

(iuadalupe [Thursday. 






FortBtMid 






Boston.... 

Cor.sicaua 

Gihner 

]5onham 

Hillsboro' 




Thursday. 






Texas 


Upshur 




Hillsboro' 


Hill 



U. S. COURT OF CLAIMS. 

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

DEPARTMENTS AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 
The undersigned offers his services, Jind will undertake the prosecution of all 
claims and suits in the above Courts and Departments at AVashington, D. C, hav- 
ing entered into an arrani^enicnt with the firm of 

Z. Collin Lcc & Albert A. Nunes, Esq., 
Of the Baltimore (Md.) Bar, 
Who will have the management of all such cases intrusted to the subscriber. 

P. DE CORDOVA, City of Austin. 
— >*^S-3 *#-*€-^^- — 

RxiTES OF POSTAGE 

In the United States, and to the British North American Provinces. 

LiiTTKKs, in tlie United States, per half-ounce, (fractions same,) not over 3000 
miles, three cents, prepaid ; over 3000 miles, ten. Letters dropped for delivery 
only, one cent. Advertised letters, one cent extra. To or from the Provinces, 
not over 3000 miles from the line, ten cents per half-ounce; over 3000, fifteen 
cents, prepaid or not. 

TrA.VSIENT newspapers, periodicals, unsealed CIRCtLAUS, OR OTHER ARTI- 
CLES OF PRINTED MATTER, not exceeding three ounces in weight, to any part of 
the United States, prepaid, one cent ; not prepaid, two cents ; each additional 
ounce, or fraction of an ounce, prepaid, one cent ; not prepaid, two cents. 

Regular newspapers or periodicals, paid yearly or quarterly in advance, 
when circulated in the State where published, not weighing over one and a half 
ounces, quarter of a cent ; over one and a half ounces and not over three ounces, 
half a cent; every additional ounce or fraction, half a cent. When circulated out 
OP THE State, all weighing three ounces or less, half a cent, and each additional 
ounce or fraction, half a cent. Weekly newspapers, within the county where 
published, single copy free to each subscriber. Small newspapers and periodicals 
monthly or oftener, and pamphlets not containing more than sixteen octavo pages, 



98 GEOLOGY OF TEXAS. 

in single packages of not less than eight ounces, to one address, prepaid by stampa 
only, half a cent for each ounce ; fractions same. 

Books, bound or unbound, not weighing over four pounds, under 3000 miles, 
one cent per ounce, prepaid j cent and a half, not prepaid; over 3000 miles, two 
cents, prepaid ; three cents, not prepaid. 

Publishers of newspapers and periodicals are allowed a free exchange of 
one copy, and may also send to each actual subscriber, enclosed in their publica- 
tions, bills and receipts for the same free. 

All printed matter must be sent without cover, or in a cover open at the ends 
or sides. There must be no word or communication jorinted on the same after its 
publication, or upon the cover, except the name and address of the person to 
whom it is to be sent. There must be no paper or other thing enclosed in or with 
such printed paper. 

TO OR FROM GREAT BRITAIN OR IRELAND. 

Letters. — Each half-ounce, twenty-four cents; five cents extra for California or 
Oregon. Prepayment optional. 

Newspapers. — Two cents each, payable in the United States. 

Periodicals and Pamphlets, not over two ounces, two cents each, and four 
cents each extra ounce, payable in the United States ; and same postage is payable 
in the United Kingdom, excepting that for the third ounce it rises to sixpence, 
and each extra ounce is twopence. 

GEOLOGY OF TEXAS. 

There is indubitable and well-attested e\ idonce of rich mineral and geological 
formations in several portions of our State. These cannot long remain a hidden mys- 
tery to the people. The legislators of Texas will soon awake to the true interest of 
the country, and will appoint a practical geologist, some man of acknowledged 
reputation, with an efficient corps of assistants, to make a thorough examiuation 
of the whole State. No use to which the funds in the Public Treasury could be 
applied would be productive of such beneficial results as to apply them to this pur- 
pose, — no, not even to found a general system of public education throughout 
our State. Let this appropriation be liberal, and none but first-class talent 
employed, and the State of Texas will soon feel its beneficial influence. 

1. A specimen of coal from Denton county shows about 36 parts of bitumen, 61 
of charcoal and about 3 of earth. It burns readily, emits no unpleasant odor 
and forms a good cinder. This coal exists in large quantities in Denton, and 
doubtless could be made very productive. 

2. A specimen of coal from Burleson county. This closely resembles the ean- 
nel, and is therefore a superior coal. It contains 75 parts of charcoal, 22 of naphtha 
and 3 of earth. It burns with a clear light and leaves but little ashes. This 
coal is valuable in the manufacture of steel. 

3. Green paint. This was found in the Indian Nation, on the east bank of Red 
Biver, near the residence of Col. Boulding. It has been tested in painting car- 



WHAT MAKE« A BUSHEL. 99 

riages in this town, and found to be a good article. The mine is a large one, wo 
believe, and it certainly would be worked to great profit. 

4. Marble found 45 miles above Gainesville, Cooke county, on Red River. The 
specimens are three in number, — exhibiting fineness and solidity of grain, both the 
pure white and shaded with black. We think that they will admit of a good polish. 

!y. Specimens of gypsum or plaster-of-Paris. These were found in the same 
neighborhood and exist in large quantities. The virtues of this mineral are well 
known to agriculturists in Europe and in portions of the North. The most benefi- 
cial effects are produced upon clover. It is also used in the arts. 

(). Grindstone rock. This specimen is from Red River, Cooke county, and shows 
a fine quality; the grit is white and works easily and to a good face. A supply 
may be found for the whole South. 

A specimen of copper-ore obtained from lands owned by Mabel Gilbert, Esq., situ- 
ated on the waters of Red River, between the mouth of the Big Wichita and Pease's 
River, in Cooke Land District, has been assayed for us by J. R. Chilton, Esq., a 
celebrated practical chemist of New York City, who found that it contained fifty- 
nine and a half per cent, of pure copper, which he says is very valuable and would 
command a ready sale in any of the Northern or European cities. 

In the country where these specimens are found the land is cheap and produc- 
tive. But little is known of their mineral wealth, save what may bo picked up by 
accident. At another session of the Legislature, we have no doubt, provision will 
be made for a scientific exploration, and the work be placed in the hands of men of 
known reputation before the country. Evidently these explorations have largely 
augmented the population and capital of some of the Western States ; and some of 
our Southern sister States are following their example, and will of course be ma- 
terially benefited. 

— '-^a i#*c i «- — 
DF. CORDOVA'S 

LAND AND COLLECTING AGENCY, 

CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS. 
Taxes on Lands paid. 

Titles recorded and perfected. 

Debts collected in Western Texas, 

Claims against the late Republic prosecuted. 
Lands sold for taxes redeemed, 

Investigations made in the Land-OQice, and in nil the Publio 
Offices in Austin. 
— -.t>««-»C-3-— — 

WHAT MAKES A BUSHEL. 

The following table, showing the number of pounds of various articles to a bushel, 
may bo of interest to our readers. 

Wheat, sixty pounds. Corn, shelled, fifty-six pounds. 

Corn, on the cob, seventy pounds, Oats, thirty-six pounds. 

Rye, fifty-six pounds. Barley, forty-six pounds, 

Buckwheat, fifty-two pounds, Irish potatoes, sixty pounds, 

Sweet potatoes, fifty pounds, Onions, fifty-seven pounds, 

Beans, sixty pounds. Bran, twcntj' pounds. 



too TEXAS, HER POSITION AND HER PUBLIC MEN. 

INFORMATION FOR HOUSEWIVES. 

On the frontier it is not always that the ladies have at their command the 
necessary weights and measures : we therefore insert the following table, although 
we have seen it published in a hundred different shapes. 

A quart of flour weighs just one pound; a quart of corn meal, one pound and 
two ounces; a quart of butter, one pound one ounce; a quart of loaf sugar, one 
pound ; a quart of white sugar, powdered, one pound one ounce ; a quart of best 
brown sugar, one pound two ounces ; ten eggs weigh one pound ; sixteen large table- 
spoonfuls make a half-pint, eight make a gill, four half a gill, &c. 



TEXAS, HER POSITION AND HER PUBLIC IMEEN. 

It is an undeniable fact that the present pecuniary situation of Texas is far supe- 
rior to that of any other State in the Union. Without a single dollar of debt, she has 
money enough in her treasury at this moment, unappropriated, to carry on the govern- 
ment for years, — possessing as she does millions of acres of as fine land as is to be 
found in the world, which she is ready and willing to devote to the work of internal 
improvement, while her rate of taxation is far lower than that of any other civilized 
portion of the globe. This, with the liberal provisions made to advance the cause of 
education, joined to the number of able citizens she has within her limits to fill her 
several public offices, and the appreciation of their services which is manifested by 
the mass of the people in electing and re-electing efiicient men to the different posts of 
honor or emolument within their gift, is a feature in our government that we may 
well be proud of. 

There is one point in the history of Texas that may not be generally known ; but 
it shows plainly the character of the meu to whom she intrusted the management 
of her public affairs. A handful of men achieved her independence, and that, too, 
without a dollar of real capital in her treasury. Her obligations had to be given out, 
as her wants were great; consequently, each year her debt enlarged, and as a natural 
result her paper depreciated, until a class of her obligations was sold as low as 2J 
cents on the dollar. Yet, notwithstanding this depreciation, her accounts were kept 
with a degree of system and clearness that, when the time arrived for us to give in 
an estimate of the amount of our debt preparatory to settlement, was found to be truly 
astonishing, — alike creditable to our country and her officers; and although, when the 
claims we had contracted with the United States Government for her to pay us 
were presented at the office of the Secretary of the Treasury at Washington City, it 
was supposed that it would far exceed what had been stated to be issued by 
our Government, the result has shown that these estimates were correct; and, 
with the exception of a few forged certificates of public debt which floated for a time in 
the New York and New Orleans market, which were presented, we doubt whether so 
large an amount of the first debt of a new country was 6ver paid in so short a time 



TEXAS, HER POSITION AND HER PUBLIC MEN. lOl 

and with so little trouble as ias been that of the Tcxian Revolutionary war; and we 
also believe that, should an opportunity ever occur, Mr. Guthrie and those who 
have attcnde<l to the final adjustment of this debt in Washington City will take 
pleasure in corroborating this statemeut of facts. 

It has beeu stated that republics are alwaj's unjust and ungrateful. That this 
common saying is untrue, so far as Texas is concerned, we feel a pride and a plea- 
sure in asserting. Actions speak louder than words. It is a well-established 
fact, that of the millions of dollars that she has paid out she received value 
for but a small amount, she having paid them out from ninety cents down 
to as low as six cents on the dollar, a largo majority at the latter rate; yet she has 
paid seventy-six and nine-tenths on the dollar ; and the day is not far distant when 
we verily believe that we will have the proud satisfaction of knowing that she has 
paid up the balance, in land script, which will bring wealth to those who had confi- 
dence in her integrity. No longer can our promissory notes be classed with the re- 
pudiated old Continental money of the United States or the assignats of France, 
which obligations even at this late day are to be found in the garrets and cellars of the 
houses of the old families who suffered by the non-payment of these just claims, a 
mass of useless rubbish. We can point with pride and pleasure to our issues, snugly 
tied up in bundles in the vaults of our Treasury, cancelled. 

Let us now look at her public men, who aided and assisted her to achieve her in- 
dependence, either by their sword or their pen. Where are they now ? Filling the 
highest oflSces in our Government, their former services appreciated by the people, — 
as is plainly to bo seen by their elevation to responsible offices by the continued 
vote of the people. By referring to the respective biographical sketches of Gen. 
Sam Houston, Gen. Thomas J. Rusk, Col. Thomas William A\^ard, and a number 
of others, to be found on these pages, it will be seen that Texas has not been 
ungrateful. 

Colonel P. II. BELL, who lately represented the Western District of Texas in the 
House of Representatives, is a native of Virginia, and is about forty years old, and 
emigrated to Texas in 1836. He was a private at the battle of San Jacinto, but was 
afterward appointed Assistant Adjutant General and Aido-de-Camp to General Sam 
Houston, Inspector-General of the Army, Adjutant-General and Inspector-General 
of Militia. He was Aide-de-Camp to General Felix Huston, at the battle of Plum 
Creek, Aid to General Somervell on the Mier Expedition, Captain of the Corpus 
(Jhristi Rangers, then private at the battle of Monterey, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
Rangers, afterward elected Colonel of the Regiment, and for some time in 
command of the frontier, then Governor of the State of Texas for two terms, 
and Member of Congress from Texas of the Thirty-Third and Thirty-Fourth Congress 
of the United States ; and, although always opposed by strong men, he has never 
been defeated in any contest where he has appealed to the people. 

I']. M. PEASE, the late Governor of the State of Texas, a native of Connecti- 
cut, aged forty-five years, emigrated to Texas in the year 1834, and served in the 
ranks during the Revolutionary war, and in his first adventures in Texas re- 



102 TEXAS, HER POSITION AND HER PUBLIC MEN. 

ceived more hard blows than dollars, and lias everprovedhimself a wheel-horse in our 
Government. Few men have seen more of public life than he has. He was Secre- 
tary of the General Council in 1835 and 1836, Comptroller of Public Accounts, 
Senator and Representative in the State Legislature, and was twice elected Governor 
of the State of Texas. He is a lawyer, and, previous to his elevation to the Guber- 
natorial chair, enjoyed one of the most lucrative, extensive and responsible practices 
in the State of Texas. He has ever been regarded as a very safe counsellor. 

JAMES B. SHAW, aged about thirty-eight years, a native of tlie Emerald Isle, 
emigrated to Texas in 1837, entered the Treasury Department as Clerk under the 
administration of Governor Smith, served as a private in the army, was appointed 
Comptroller of Public Accounts, under the Republic of Texas, in 1840, and has con- 
tinued to hold that office from that time to the present date. He also acted as Secre- 
tary of the Treasury at different times under the administration of General Sam 
Houston, during his second term. In the adjustment of the public debt of Texas, 
his intimate knowledge of the situation of the affau-s of the late Republic during 
the days of her infancy has been of immense service. His business capacity, possess- 
ing as he does all the attributes necessary for an efficient public officer, has been ap- 
preciated by his fellow-citizens, as is evidenced by his constant re-election for six^ 
teen years to the important and responsible office he now fills. His recent visit 
to "Washington City as the Agent of our State has won for him a reputation 
that he may well be proud of. 

JAMES H. RAYMOND, State Treasurer, is about thirty-seven years old. He is a 
native of the State of New York, and emigrated to Texas in 1889. He too served in 
the Texian army, and has acted as Assistant Clerk, and more recently as Chief 
Clerk, of the House of Representatives. He was also a Clerk in the Treasury De- 
partment, likewise Secretary to the Convention which formed the State Constitution, 
and long will he be remembered for his forcible, distinct and elegant reading while 
fiUing that station. In 1846 he was elected to the office of State Treasurer, which 
he continues to hold, having been re-elected six times. 

We might go on with innunier.able instances of Texian gratitude, did our limits 
permit ,• but we will bring this article to a close by citing one or two instances of the 
constant re-election of men to the same office, creditable alike to the office-holder 
and to the people of the District. OSCAR FARRISH, the County Clerk of Galves- 
ton, was elected to fill that office in 1836, and has been re-elected again and again, 
and now fills the office, — Galveston never having had any other County Clerk. 

FRANCIS R. LUBBOCK was the District Clerk, and WILLIAM R. BAKER 
County Clerk, of Harris, and held their offices by constant re-election from 1840, 
the former until 1857, when he resigned, the latter until August, 1856. 

Texas declared her independence in 1836. Then her population did not number 
fifty thousand souls ; now she has five hundred thousand. Her property then was 
valueless ; now it is estimated at two hundred and fifty millions of dollars. At that 
time Texas was a desert waste ; now, in her cultivated fields and rising towns, she 
presents quite a different aspect to the traveller. The steam-whistles of the 



RECORD YOUR CONVEYANCES. 103 

locomotives on her raihvays are beginning to be heard, proclaiming the glad tidings 
that the work of internal improvement has been commenced, and that her course is 
onward. Who will, who dares, predict what will be the future prosperity of Texas 
when we have the facilities of transportation ? Then our cotton, our sugar, our 
wheat, our rye, our castor-oil, our flax, nay, our wines and our brandies, will be 
known in every European market, and our boundless rich pi-airies will teem with 
millions of happy and prosperous farmers ; and perhaps — remember, we say 
perhaps — our mountains may echo with the noise of the pick, as the hardy miner digs 
from the bowels of the earth the rich metallic substances which no doubt now lie 
snugly hidden within her bowels, and which the light of science will soon develop. 



Pay up your Taxes, or you may Lose your Lands. 

Many tracts of land in the State of Texas, owned not only by non-residents, 
but by citizens who reside remote from the counties where their lauds are situated, 
may bo lost in consequence of neglect to pay up the taxes, or from their not 
being properly given in or accurately described. If they have been duly entered 
for taxation, and the taxes are not regularly paid by the proprietors or their 
agents, they will be sold for said taxes by the assessors for their respective coun- 
ties. Persons interested will at once perceive the immediate importance of attend- 
ing to this subject, and a few suggestions designed to assist their inquiries may 
not be unacceptable. If these requisites have been attended to, but from neglect 
or other cause the taxes have not been regularly paid, inquiries should be forth- 
with addressed to a competent agent. In all communications, let such facts and 
circumstances be stated as will properly establish the ideutitj' of the land. For 
extimple : give the name of the former owners — when title to land .acquired — counties 
where patented or now situated — natural boundaries, and quantities in each tract. 
Where much time shall have elapsed, or any difficulty is supposed to exist, it 
would be proper also to transmit copies or abstracts of tax-receipts or other 
papers connected with the subject. Owners of lots in towns would do well also 
to make special inquiry, observing such of the foregoing suggestions as are appli- 
cable. Let it be borne in mind that the lands and lots may be sold for the tax of 
any year, although the title be in others on the day of sale. To illustrate the 
importance of the subject in a few words, it may not be amiss to state that cases 
have occurred, and may occur again, when the lands or lots of an individual, with- 
out great vigilance on his part, have been sold in his presence without his knowledge. 
Record your Patents and Conveyances in their Proper Counties. 

Little attention has heretofore been paid to this sulijcct. Ey a law of the 
State, it is required that all muniments of titles should be properly authenticated 
and duly recorded in the counties where the lands are situated. The importance 
of due attention to these points has been felt by those who have neglected it, 
during the last few years, as many persons have lost their lands for want 
of due attention to these points. 



104 



AREA OF THE COUNTIES OF TEXAF. 



AREA OF ALL THE COUNTIES IN TEXAS, 

As furnished by Charles "SV. Pressler, Esq., Chief Draughtsman of the General 
Laud Office iu Austin. 



COUNTIES. 



SQ. MILES. I COUNTIES 



SQ. MILES. COUNTIES. 



SQ. MILES. 



Anderson 

Angelina 

Atascosa 

Austin 

Bandera 

Bastrop 

Bell 

Bexar, (the c. proper.) 

Bosque 

Bowie 

Brazoria 

Brazos 

Brown 

Burlesou 

Burnet 

Caldwell 

Calhoun 

Cameron 

Cass 

Cherokee 

Collin 

Colorado 

Comal 

Comanche 

Cooke* 

Coryell 

Dallas 

Denton 

Do Witt 

Ellis 

ElPaso 

Erath 

Falls , 

Fannin 

Favette 

Fort Bend 

Freestone 

Galveston 

Gillespie 



1121 

1050' 

141 S 

1024 

106S 

1001 

1097 

1732 

965, 

892, 

12C0| 

578 

1059 

97G 

1095^ 

522| 

684 

:3:iOO 

1240 

1144 

870 

905 

1024 

1464 



960 
900 
900 
898 

1000 

10300 

992 

795 

900 

1025 
920 
900 
680 

1808 



Goliad 1185 

Gonzales 1026 

(jrayson 950 

Grimes 962 

(xuadalupe 860 

Harris 1S;32 

Harrison 964 

Hays 970 

Henderson 934 

Hidal-o 2300 

Hill 890 

Hojikins 952 

Houston 1090 

Hunt 935 

Jack 900 

Jackson 852 

.Jasper 918 

Jefferson 1481 

.Johnson 998 

Karnes 1004 

Kaufman 950 

Kerr 1172 

Kinney 2400 

Lamar 1015 

Jjampascs 910 

Lavaca 926 

Leon n06| 

Liberty 1986, 

Jjimestone 857 

Live-Oak 1946i 

Llano 707| 

Madison 336, 

IMata-orda 1334; 

Maverick 2194 

McCulloeh 915 

McLennan 960 

IMedina 1175 

Milam 1048 

Moutffomerv 852 



Nacogdoches 886 

Navarro 1155 

Newton 964 

Nueces 5500 

Oranse 350' 

Palo Pinto 1202 

Panola 788 

Parker 900 

Polk 1188 

Presidio 24200 

Red River 872 

Rofuo-io 1466 

Robertson 840 

Rusk 1028 

Sabine 528 

San Augustine 550 

San Patricio 1410 

San Saba 925 

Shelby 842 

Smith ■SOO 

Starr 4050 

Tarrant 900- 

Titus 1100 

Travis (proper) 1000 

Triuitv 945 

Tyler.'. 1130 

Upshur 945 

Uvalde 2406 

Van Zandt 728 

Victoria 928 

Walker 818 

Washington 726 

Webb 6600 

V^^hnrton 1004 

Williamson 1106 

Wise 900 

Wood 840 

Young 900 



Note. — Brazoria county contains 1192 square miles of land and 68 of water; Cal- 
houn county, 684 land and 216 water; Galveston county, 400 land and 274 water; 
Matagorda county, 824 laud and 510 water; Refugio county, 1018 laud and 418 
water; San Patricio proper, 1410, and besides 270 — 19 miles between Live-Oak and 
Bexar and Nueces counties. 

* Boundary too indefinite to base calculation on. 



AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE. 105 

LATITUDE, LONGITUDE AND ALTITUDE 

Of the several forts that hare been located in different portions of Texas, as taken 
from the Army Meteorological Register, published at Washington City by A. 0. P. 
Nicholson, Public Printer in the j'car 1S55. The latitude, longitude and altitude, 
although not quite so accurate as could be wished, are, at any rate, sufficiently 
correct for all practical purposes. 

Those posts marked thus* have been abandoned, iu consequence of the tide of 
mmigration having been directed to those localities, and dense settlements hav- 
ing been formed around them, thus rendering their being longer retained as 
military posts of no further use. 

Where the note of interrogation (?) is used after the altitude, it denotes that the 
altitude given is only ajjproximate. 

Lat. Long. Alt. 

Fort Chadbourne 32° 02' 100° 05' 3120? 

Port Belknap 33° 08' 98° 48' 1000? 

Fort Worth «32° 40' 97° 25' 1100? 

PhantomlliU 32° 30' 99° 45' 2300? 

CampJohnson 31° 38' 100° 40' 2120 

Fort Graham «31° 56' 97° 26' 900? 

Fort Gates «31° 26' 97° 49' IIIOO? 

FortCroghan »30° 40' 98° 31' 1000? 

Fort Martin Scott 30° 10' 99° 05' 1300 

Fort Mason 30° 48' 99° 15' 1200? 

Fort Territt 30° 23' 100° 16' 1320 

Fort McKavitt 30° 55' 100° 05' • 2U00 

San Antonio 29° 25' 98° 25' 600 

Fort Merrill 28° 17' 98° 00' 150? 

Fort Ewell 28° 05' 98° 57' 200? 

Corpus Christi 27° 47' 97° 27' 20 

FortBrown 25° 51' 97° 26' 50 

Ringgold Barracks 26° 23' 99° 02' 200? 

Fort Mcintosh 27° 31' 99° 27' 400? 

Fort Duncan 28° 42' 100° 30' 800? 

Fort Insc 29° 09' 99° 47' 845 

Fort Lincoln 29° 22' 99° 33' 900? 

Fort Clark 29° 17' 100° 25' 1000? 

ElPaso 31° 41' 100° 28' 3830 

AUSTIN STATE GAZETTE. 

Major Marshal, — the editor of the Austin State Gazette, published at the city of / 
Austin, at the rate of three dollars per annum, — although actively engaged in 
disseminating the doctrines of Democracy, of whicli school he may be regarded as 
one of the most ultra, being a decided opponent of all banks, except the banks 
of our rivers, (which, he declares, are the sole banks that Texians should rely upon 
and make investments in, for they are the only ones that can be depended upon 
at a proper time in yielding a full return, not only of the amount of their annual 
deposits, but of an extraordinary interest, — such an interest as the most am- 



106 



OUR CLIMATE. 



bitious cannot grumble at,) devotes his leisure time to the collection of informal 
tion it may be profitable to preserve. We therefore have availed ourselves, in the 
following article on Climatology, of a table that he prepared and published on 
the 25th of April, 1867, which must have cost considerable labor. 

OUK CLIIfflATB: IMPORTANT FACTS TO IMMIGRANTS. 

Owing to the occasional nortlicvs of Texas, many exaggerated reports arc given 
of onr climate by strangers. To the old resident these charges are seldom an- 
noying. Prepared for them, he meets them with stoical gravity. AVith all the 
northers, he would not exchange his climate for any other in the world. 

Thousands annuallj- settle in Texas, and spread over our wild prairies and woods, 
where the plough has never turned up the sod. For information of parties writing 
to us about the climate of Texas, we have examined the subject with much care. 
Taking the official data of the Patent-Office Rejiort, we are enabled to institute a 
comparison between the changes of temperature in each month of the year of 1855 
in Texas and our sister slave States. This table vindicates the character of Texas 
for equable temperature, and places her at the head of the list. At the top of the 
columns of the table are the names of each State, and the places where the obser- 
vations by thermometer were made. On a line with each place are the figures 
representing the two extremes of heat and cold in each month, as shown by the 
thermometer, and on the next line adjoining we give this difference in figures. 

TABLE SHOWING THE EXTREMES OF HEAT AND COLD 
IN EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, IN SEVEN STATES. 



Texas, 
Austin. 



Months. 



January... 
February... 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September. 
October... . 
November. 
December.. 



6128 
6l|36 
70'30 
77121 
8315 
8311 
8309 
87:11 
82ll2 
76'32 
76131 
70;53 



Virginia, 
Alexandria. 



X> 



50 27 

16,32 
55'30 

77141 



4817729 
5887129 
64|S622 
63 SO 17 
55'S2l27 
38i65]27 
356227 
I9I55I36 



Tennessee, 
(ileuwood. 



16 61 
15 58 

27i67 

43 80 

50i82 

55!79 

6882 

71182 

57179 22 

316228 

35 67 32 

I257U6 



Georgia, Maryland, 
Sparta. Schellman 
Hall. 



1-:! !W > 



27 63 36 
26 60 34 
317342 
49^82 33 
56*86 30 
60 8121 
70;83,13 
67:83 16 
698011 
38 70 32 
40 70 30 

28 64 36 



8018 
81I26 
66l28 
61131 



16i52!36 



X. Carolina, 
Chappell Hai. 



28 58 
25 53 
30 63 
40 84 
54 78 
59 



27 63 



The meteorological observations for Texas were taken at the hours of 7 A.M. 
and 2 and 9 P.M. The observer at Austin was Dr. S. K. Jennings. We do not find 
in the Patent-Ofiioe Report any observations made in our sister States of Arkansas, 
Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama. 



OUR CLIMATE. 



107 



The attention of oui- readers is called to this table. The farmer and planter will 
see that in 185o, during the whole planting-season, the extremes of variation in 
Texas gradually but certainly diminished from the low temperature of winter to 
the higher one of spring and summer; and that this did not occur, in any other 
State mentioned, in the same gentle and equable manner, except Tennessee, But 
there was this disadvantage in the latter State : the degrees of variation in Ten- 
nessee were much greater, even while diminishing, than iu Texas. This fact is an 
important one in an agricultural point of view. If we take the growing months 
from Februiirj' to Jul}', and compare the States in the above table, the following 
is the result : — 
THE AVERAGE VARIATIO^T OF THE THERMOMETER DURING THE 

MONTHS OF FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE AND JULY. 

Texas, Austin, average variation 22 dej 

Virginia, Alexandria do 30 

Tennessee, Glen wood do ?,2 

Georgia, Sparta do 29 

Maryland, Schellman Hall, variation 32 

North Carolina, Cliappell Hill, variation 27 

To enable our readers to make the necessary comparisons as regards the ex- 
tremes and the amount of variation between the six different points at a singlo 
glance, we have prepared the following table : — 





Lowest Range. 


U 


ighest Range. 1 


Variation, 












a 












^, 












ef, 














a 












a 












a 








































Months. 


?, 


'a 


6 
o 


o 


S 




■A 




i 

6 

3 


.2 

'if. 


1 


o 


s 
y. 




1 

Q 


"zL 


rs 
a 

"pi 


o 
o 




o 




a 


























^ 








t- 


^ 




CJ 


■^ 


'?r, 'H 


r* 


H 


O 


M 


K 


H 


r' 


s-' 


^ 


•* 


2: 


January. ... 


2tl 


23 


16 


27 


20 


28l;64 


50 


64 


63 


52 


58 


28 


27 


48 


36 


32 


30 


February... 


Ov 


14 


15 


2(i 


02 


25 1 


10 


5S 


60 


13 


53 


3(i 


32 


13 


34 


41 


28 


Marcli 


n 


-'.") 


L'7 


:\\ 


■Jl 


:',i) 711 


;>:i 


I'l' 


7;; 


51 


1 'i : ; 


.',11 


;;ii 


10 


42 


27 


33 


April 


Jo 


:!ti 


t:; 


411 


:;i 


III 77 


77 


Sll 


8 2 


7'.i 


St 


1^1 


11 


37 


33 


45 


44 


Mav 


08 


IS 


50 


56 


47 


54 83 


77 


82 


86 


77 


78 


15 


29 


32 


30 


30 


24 


June 


69 


58 


00 


60 


56 


59 


183 


8779 


81 


87 


86 


14 


29 


24 


21 


31 


27 


Julv 


74 


64 


68 


70 


64 


71 


83 


80 82 


S3 


85 


80 


09 


09 


14 


13 


21 


15 


AuL;nst 


1 •! 


()3 


71 


37 


62 


02 


87 


8(1 


82 


83 


80 


83 


14 


17 


11 


16 


18 


21 


September.. 


70 


OJ 


57 


09 


55 


62 


82 


82 


79 


80 


81 


83 


12 


27 


22 


11 


26 


21 


October 


■U 


38 


34 


38 


38 


t3 


76 


65 02 


70 


60 


71 


32 27 


28 


32 


28 


28 


November.. 


45 


35 


35 


40 


30 


38 


176 


62 67 


70 


01 


07 


31 27 


32 


30 


31 


29 


December... 


17 


19 


12 


28 


10 27 


'70 55 57 


64 


52 


03 


[53 36 


45 


36 


36 


36 



Thus, at that important season when the farmer is raising his crops, it is seen by 
the above that the extremes of heat and cold in Texas are less than iu any of the 
foregoing States, If wo notice the average variation of temperature in each 
State, as given above, and then compare it with the variation of temperature in 
April, in each State, as shown in the first table, it will be seen that the changes 
were less in April, 1855, in Texas, than in any other State named. 



108 LOCALITY OF THE DIFFERENT FORTS IN TEXAS. 

It would not be fair to say that the facts we have given are sufficient to show that 
the climate of Texas is relatively as good or better than that of any other State, be- 
cause this would depend upon a series of observations running through a number 
of years; but it appears that in the same year, 1855, Texas compared favorably 
with seven of the slave States, and we doubt not that, had we the data for the re- 
maining eight Southern States, the result would not be changed. These facts are 
worthy the attention of immigrants or parties in other States meditating upon 
making Texas their future home. We have more degrees of latitude, and neces- 
sarily greater diffijrences therefore, in climate and season than any other State. 
The piney-woods farmer of Georgia, the bottom-land planter of the Mississippi and 
Tombigbee, the stock-raiser of Kentucky, the wheat-grower of Maryland and 
Virginia, may all find comfortable homes in Texas; and what with cheap lands and 
virgin soil, good health and rosy-cheeked children, they will find their industry 
and enterprise generally rewarded with competence and fortune. 

LOCALITY OF THE DIFFERENT FORTS IN TEXAS. 

Ringgold Barracks, on Survey No. 80, on the Rio Grande, near Rio Grande City, 
Starr county. 

Fort Mcintosh, near Laredo, in Webb county. 

Fort Brown, on the Survey of Lebas Mcdrano, on the Rio Grande, near Eagle 
Pass, in Maverick county. 

Fort Clarke, on a Survey in the name of F. Medina, on the Las Mares, in 
Kinney county. 

Fort Davis, on the Limpia, in Presidio county. 

Fort Leighton, on the Rio Grande. 

Fort Bliss, on the J. W. Maggoffin Survey, on the Rio Grande, in El Paso 
county. 

Fort Merrill, on the Nueces River, in Live-Oak county. 

Fort Inge, on a Survey in name of R. Jillet, on the Leona River, in Uvalde county. 

Fort Territt, on a Survey in the name of Peter Reinemauu, on the North Fork 
of the Llano, in Bexar county. 

Fort McKavitt, on a Survey in the name of Theodore M. Klcinmetz, San Saba 
River, Bexar county. 

Fort Chadbourne, on J. Gross Survey, on Oak Creek, Bexar county. 

Fort Martin Scott, on Baron's Creek, in Gillespie county. 

Fort Mason, on the Survey of P. Birk and H. Hick, Fisher and Miller's Colony, 
on Comanche Creek, Bexar county. i 

Fort Croghan, on Survey in the name of John Hamilton, on Hamilton Creek, 
Burnet county, abandoned in consequence of the county being well settled up. ' 

Fort Phantom Hill, on the Elm Fork of the Clear Fork of Brazos, in Bosque 
county. 

Fort Graham was on one of the premium leagues of Sterling Robertson, on the 
Brazos River, Hill county, abandoned iu consequence of the county becoming 



LANDS Foil SALE EY J. DE CORDOVA. 109 

sufficiently dcnselj' settled to protect itself, since which the town of Sterling has 
been located on the site of the old fort. 

Fort Worth, on Survey in the name of II. Briggs, at the junction of the Clear and 
West Fork of the Trinity. Long since abandoned, and the county seat of Tarrant 
count}', established on the site, still retaining its old name. 

San Antonio, on the town tract on the San Antonio River, Bexar county. 

Camp Cooper, ou the Indian Reserve, ou the Clear Fork of the Brazos, Bexar 
county. 

Comanche Agencj', on the Indian Reserve, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos 
River, in Cooke county. 

Caddo Agency, on the Lower Indian Reserve, on the main Brazos River, in 
Young county. 

■ — — »-ff3-$S'.^J-5«'* — 

VALUABLE LAXDS 

FOR SALE 
IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 

I am authori/.cil to sell the following Lands on ailvantagcous terms. For fur- 
ther jiarticulars apply to 

J. DE CORDOVA, Swensou's Buildings, City of Austin, Texas. 

■■•■•.:;;■*■ During my absence from Austin I am fully represented by my brother, 
PiiixEAs De Cordova, wiio holds my full Powku op Attouxey. 

AUSTIN COUNTY. 

177 Acres, PATRICK Mc<;EE, mm: mii.ks S. M° E. from Belleville, two a.nd 
A yiAUTRR JMLES X. 21° W. from the niouili of Mill Creek. 

354 Acres, PATRICK McUEE, ten and a quarter miles S. 52° E. from 
Belleville, ONE AND A HALF MILES N. 5° W. from the mouth of Mill Creek. 

BASTROP COUNTY. 

4428 Acres, JOHN MAXl.Ml hi A.V. on the waters of Walnut Creek, fifteen 
MILES S. 3S° W. from Bastmp. 'I'his tract has lieeu divided into suitable farming- 
luts ./i'.'fFor notice of which, see Bastrop County. 

4605 Acres. A. MARTINEZ, thirteen and a half miles 1^.23° E. from Bas- 
trop, ou the water.« of Piucy Creek. This tract has been divided into suitable farm- 
ing-lots J££r"For notice of which, see Advertisement. 

BELL COUNTY. 

369 -Veres out of the LUCIAN IIKKMAX headright of 1176 acres, situated on 
the Leon River, near (Jatcsvillc. 

BEXAR COUNTY. 

640 Acres granted to JA.MES E. BETTNER, Survcj' No. 117, Section 5, on 
Mvnlc Creek. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 98, Section 2, on the 
waters of Verde Creek. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 101, Section 2, on the 
Waters of Verde Creek. 

1551 Acres out of Survey of 4605 acres, MARIA DOLORES DIAZ, Survey 
No. 5(1, Section No. 6, on the Atascosa, twenty-three miles S. 18° E. from Cas- 
troville. thirtv-one miles S. 31° W. from San Antonio. 

1551 Acres out of a survey of 1605 acres, MARIA TRINIDAD GUERRERA, 
Survcv No. 88, Section 2, on the Olmos, nine miles N. 30° W. from San Antonio. 

1551 Acres out of Survey of 4605 acres, MANUEL TEJADA, Survey Nc. . 



110 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

Section 2, on the watei-s of Leon Creek, eight and a half miles N. 50° W. from 
San Antonio, twenty miles N. 60° E. from Castrovillc. 

600 Acres out of 1476 acres in the name of J. B. THOMPSON, Survey No. 84, 
Section 3, on the Salado, ten miles N. 21° W. from San Antonio. 

369 acres out of one-third of a league, CLEMENTIA DIAS, Webb county, 
FORTY-NINE MILES S. 60° W. from mouth of Rio Frio, seven miles below the cross-, 
ing of the Laredo Road, and forty-seven miles above the crossing of Woll's Road. 

'640 Acres, A. E. C. JOHNSON, on the N. E. bank of the Nueces, Survey No. 
508, twenty-eight miles S. 42° W. from the mouth of the Leona, and twenty- 
five miles below the crossing of the Old Presidio Road. 

640 Acres of the Survey of S. HENRY HITCHCOCK, two-third league. Sur- 
vey No. 37, twenty-six miles S. 25° E. from San Antonio, seven and a half 
miles W. of San Antonio River. 

1476 Acres, S. L. WHEELER, Survey No. 130, on the waters of the Medina, 
seventeen miles S. 38° W. from San Antonio, and fifteen miles S. 58° E. from 
Castroville, five miles south of San Antonio River. 

320 Acres, J. LEVENHAGEN, Survey No. 100, on Boar Creek, Gillespie county, 
TEN AND A HALF MILES, S. 26° W. from Fredericksburg, fifty-three miles N. 
32° W. from San Antonio. 

1280 Acres, E. A. MARTIN, Survey No. 168, on the Medina River, fifty-ninb 
MILKS N. 60° W. from San Antonio. 

640 Acres, AMELIA REINEMAN, Survey No. 133, on the Guadalupe River, 
sixty-two miles N. 50° W. from San Antonio, and twenty-six miles S. 64° W. 
from Fredericksburg. 

1476 Acres, W. WINFORD. Survey No. 326, on the waters of the Salado, nine 
AND A HALF MILES N. 51° E. from San Antonio, eighteen and a half miles S. 
62° W. from New Braunfels. 

640 Acres, JOHN FLANDERS, Survey No. 473, Section 10, on the Nueces, 
eighteen and a half miles S. 58° E. from the crossing of the Old Presidio Road, 
thirty-two miles S. 50° W. from the mouth of Leona River. 

640 Acres granted to J. E. BETTNER, Survey No. 99, Section 2, on Verde Creek. 

1476 Acres, RICH'D BUSHELL.on the Salatrillo, eleven and a half miles N. 
53° E. from San Antonio, thirteen miles N. 77°W. from themouth of Martinez Creek. 

1920 Acres JOHN FLANDERS, Survey No. 496, Section 10, on the north 
bank of the Nueces, thirty and a half miles S. 47° W. from the mouth of Leona 
River, TWENTY and a half miles below the crossing of the Old Presidio Road. 

640 Acres, PETER ALLEN, Survey No. 512, Section 10, on the north bank 
of the Nueces, twenty-six miles S. 39° W. from mouth of Leona, twenty-six and 
a half miles below the crossing of the Old Presidio Road. 

640 Acres, N. DEMBRISKI, Survey No. 502, Section 10, on the north bank of 
the Nueces, twenty-two and a half miles below the crossing of the Old Presidio 
Road, thirty-one miles S. 45° W. from the mouth of Leona River. 

320 Acres, S. BARNARD, Survey No. 296, Section 10, east bank of the Nueces 
River, about seven miles above the crossing of the Laredo Road. 

640 Acres, H. MuGREAL, Survey No. 513, Section 6, on the Atascosa River, 
about twenty-four miles S. 30° W. of San Antonio, and nineteen miles S. 36° 
E. from Castroville. 

95 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of MILTON M. JUSTICE, Survey No. 185, 
Section 5, on the waters of Cottonwood Creek, a branch of the Medina, about TEN 
miles S. 65° E. of Castroville and 17 miles S. 58° W. from the city of San Antonio. 

1476 Acres D. Y. & John W. Portis, Assignees of J. W. CLIFTON, Survey No. 
139, Section 6, on the waters of the Atascosa, (one-half in Karnes county.) about 
forty-seven miles S. 26° E. and twenty and a half miles S. 68° W.from Helena. 

320 Acres, JOHN BLOOM, Survey No. 399, Section 2, on Turtle Creek, a nor- 
thern branch of Guadalupe River, about fifty-four and a half miles li. 49° 
W. from San Antonio. 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. Ill 

4605 Acres, J. W. N. A. SMITH, on the waters of the Red Fork of the Colo- 
rado, THiitTV-SEVEN MILES N. 19° W. of its junction with the Rio Concho, Survey 
No. 271. Section 9, and twenty miles N. 61° E. from Fort Chadbourne. 

1476 Acres, GEORGE W. PECK, on the south bank of Elm Fork of the Clear 
Fork (if the Brazos River, twe.xty-eicht miles S. 70° AV. of Phantom Hill, Sur- 
vcv No. i'(U, Section 10. 

640 Acres, HENRY AHRENS, on the north bank of the Elm Fork of the Clear 
Fork of the Brazos, thirty miles S. 76° W. from Fort Phantom Hill, Survey No. 
221;, Section IG. 

640 Acres, donation of WM. S. BROWN, on the south bank of the same stream, 
about twenty-eight miles S. 72° W. from Pliantom Hill, known as Survej' No. 28.5. 

320 Acres, bounty to WILLIAM S. BROWN, on same stream, known as Sur- 
vey No. 25j, about eleven miles west of Phantom Hill. 

1476 Acres, ROBERT COCHRAN, on same stream, Survey No. 290, about 
tiiirty-dxe miles S. 73° W. of Pliantom Hill. 

640 Acres, WILLIAM LITTLEFIELD, on same stream, Survey No. 282, south 
bank, about twenty-six miles S. 77° W. from Phantom Hill. These are all rich 
mcziiiiite valley-lands, well timbered, and frontinf; on the river. 

640 Acres, CHARLES SCHLICHT, No. 968, on San Miguel, three miles 
below the crossinp^ of the Presidio Road, and fifty miles S. 21° W. from the San 
Antonio. Survey No. 858, Section C. 

3129,>cres, CRESCENCIO MONTES, on the north bank of the Red Fork of 
the Colorado River, six and three-quarter miles above the mouth of Concho, 
and THIRTY-SIX miles S. E. from Fort Chadbourne. 

640 Acres Donation Land of FRANCIS L. DESAQUE, Survey No. 134, in Sec- 
tion S. on the waters of the Medina River. 

340 Acres out of 1280 acres, CALVIN J. FULLER, Survey No. 30.3, on the east 
bank of the Nueces, three miles north of the crossing of Laredo Road. 

BOSQUE COUNTY. 

960 Acres out of 1920 acres granted to HENRY BILLINGS, on the waters o^ 
the East Prong of the Bosque, near the head of Hill Creek, about twenty miles 
west of Kimball's Bend. 

320 .'Veres, S. T. SLATER, twenty-eight and a half otles N. 38° W. from 
Waco Village, nineteen .\nd a quarter miles S. 62° E. from Meridian, and one 
anp three-quarter miles wcs; of the Brazos River. 

320 .Veres, J. C. HUTCHINSON, on the west bank of the Brazos, sixteen and 
thuee-quarter miles N. 36° AV. from AVaco Village, twenty-oxe miles S. 61° 
E. from ^Meridian. 

320 .Veres, S.VMUEL B.VILEY. on the west bank of the Brazos, seventeen 
AND THREE-QUARTER MILES N. 33° AV. from AVaco Village, twenty miles S. 63° E. 
from Meridian. 

320 Acres, J. R. AVILSON, on the Bosque, eleven and a half miles N. 38° 
AA'. from Meridian, twenty miles N. 81° AA'. from Fort Graham. 

320 Acres, J. R. AVILSON, on the Bosque, twelve miles N. 37° AA''. from Meri- 
dian, about TWENTY-ONE MILES N. 79° AV. from Fort Graham. 

1476 Acres, JOSEPH RUTCH, on Neil's Creek, forty-three miles N. 75° AV. 
from AVaco Village, seventeen miles N. 46° AA'. from Meridian. 

640 .Veres, A.NEUFCHAFFER, on Cedron Creek, seven miles S.47° W. from 
Fort (rrahnm, EiniiT miles N. 82° E. from Meridian. 

640 Acres. JOHN LLEAVELLA'N, on the waters of Neil's Creek, twelve and A 
HALF MILES S. 11° AV. from Meridian, twenty-four miles S. 42° W. from Fort 
lirnliain. 

984 .\cres, part of the headright of PALLAS LOA'^E, on Mezquite Creek, seven 
MILES from the Brazos River, and eleven miles N. 18° E. from Meridian. 



112 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

427 Acres, the west half of a Survey of 853 acres, part of the headright of FRAN- 
CIS S. LUBBOCK, on the head-waters of the Palo Pinto, thirty-seven miles 
S. S7° W. from Comanche Peak. 

1280 Acres, E. R. (iOLDEN, on the waters of the Cedron, Survey No. — , seven 
MILES S. 62° W. from Fort Graham, and sevex and a half miles N. 73° E. from 
Meridinn. 

3070 Acres out of the FRANCIS L. DESAQUE headright, league and labor 
Survey, situated on the North Fork of Hill Creek, about eigut miles from Kim- 
ball's Bend. 

1476 Acres, JOHN JONES, on Neil's Creek, forty-two miles N. 76° W. from 
Waco, seventeen miles S. 43° W. from Meridian. 

340 Acres, J. F. GIROD, Survey No. 68, on the Poluxy, ten miles S. 80° W. 
from Comanche Peak, about sixteen miles N. 67° W. from mouth of Poluxy. 

640 Acres, G. GOSHE, on Bee Creek, twenty-nine miles N. 5° E. from Fort 
Gates, five miles S. 26i° W. from Meridian. 

370 Acres, JOHN JANEALT, on Bee Creek, twenty-eight miles N. 6° E. from 
Fort Gates, six miles S. 19° W. from Meridian. 

147 Acres, John R. Sleeper, Assignee of ELLIOTT R. ARMSTRONG, on Gil- 
more Creek, a tributary of the Bosque River, in the lower edge of the Cross Timbers, 
about twenty-five miles N. 78° W. from Meridian. 

640 Acres, JACOB SORIA, on the East Fork of the Bosque River, about fifteen 
MILES N. 42° W. from Meridian. 

320 Acres, Richard B. Kimball, Assignee of M. A. BINGHAM, on the head of 
Spring Creek, a branch of Meridian Creek, about forty-seven miles above Waco, 
and about twelve miles S. 85° W. from Meridian. 

640 Acres, FRANCIS McMAHAN, on the cast side of Duffan's Creek, a tri- 
butary of the Bosque, twenty-three miles N. 56° W. from Meridian. 

320 Acres, John S. Jones, Assignee of JOHN C. CRANE, on the Brazos, five 
MILES above the mouth of Childres Creek. 

480 Acres, Nathan Fuller, Assignee of JOHN SKIDMORE, on the head-waters 
of Neil's Creek, about fokty-fodr miles above Waco, and about seventeen miles 
S. 53° W. from Meridian. 

755 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of WILLIAM WALCH, on the waters of 
Cedron Creek, a tributary of the Brazos River, nine miles S. 85° E. from Meridian. 

495 Acres, heirs of WILLIAM HARPER, on the North Fork of Meridian Creek, 
about forty-three miles above AVaco, and about thirteen miles S. 60° W. from 
Meridian. 

320 Acres, PETER LATUNER, Survey No. 20, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos, 
twelve miles ))elow Fort Pliantom Hill. 

320 Acres, PETER LATUNER, Survey No. 21, on the Clear Fork of the Brazos, 
between Parode and Daw's Creeks, about thirteen miles below Fort Phantom Hill. 

1476 Acres, JOHN RODGERS, on Steel's Creek, about forty-five miles 
above Waco, and nine miles N. 24° W. from Meridian. 

1476 Acres, GEORGE KELLY, between East Prong Bosque and Steel's Creek, 
about forty-eight miles above Waco, and about 11 miles N. 30° W. from Meridian. 

320 Acres, HUGH KENNEDY, on the waters of the 'Bosque, about eleven 
miles N. 51° W. from Meridian. 

19 Acres, RAFAEL MANCHACA. about nine miles N. 58° E. from Meridian, 
thirty-six miles N. 36° W. from Waco. 

640 Acres, ASA BAXTER, about eleven miles S. 82° W. from mouth of Po- 
luxv. about TWELA'E MILES S. 31° W. from Comanche Peak. 

4605 Acres, JUANA DJAZ. about seven miles N. 29° W. from Meridian, and 
SEVKXTEEN MILES N. 86° W. froui Fort Graham. 

4605 Acres, RUFUS McLELLAN, on the Brazos River, ten miles S. 85° E. 
fr jm Meridian, about twenty-eight miles N. 40° W. from AVaco. 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 113 

4605 Acres, GERTRUDES CIIERINO, on the Brazos River, twenty-seven 
MILKS X. 1 1° W. from AVrtco, ki.evicn mii.ics S. 701° E. from Meviilian. 

1476 Acres, FRAXCLS S. NEVILLE, on the water.-' of Cedron Creek, thirty- 
two MTi.i'.s N. 46° W. from AV;ifn, !il)oiit five iriLES S. 80° E. from Meridian. 

1046 Api-cs, JOSEPH BERRY, on the waters of the Bosque, about twenty-two 
MiiJ.s N. Co\° W. from Waeo, twelve miles S. ?)S° E. from Meridian. 

983 Acres, (JEORGE GRISSELL, four, miles from Brazos River, and about 
TiiinTREN miles N. 1.'5° E. from Meridian. A very clioice location. Price $2. 

4605 Acres, heirs of JAMES C. CORBIN, on the Bosque, in the Cross Timbers, 
about thirty jiiles N. 61° \V. from Meridian. 

1476 Acres. John H. Brown, Assignee of WILLIAM RIDDLE, on the east 
side of the main Boscfue River, about nine miles S. 40° E. from Meridian, and two 
MILES below the mouth of Meridian Creek. 

320 Acres, JOSEPH MILLER, on a fork of Steel's Creek, six miles from the 
Brazos River, and six miles X. 45° E. from Meridian. 

BRAZORIA COUNTY. 

1476 Acres, WILLIAM H. BUTLER. 

1476 Acres, JOSEPH GAMBLE, adjoining, between the river San Barnard 
and Cedar Lake. Both on the Gulf, about twelve miles W. of Quintana. There 
is an oystcr-lakc on the land, containing the best and largest oysters, and sufficient 
to supply a large town. There are some beautiful building-situations fronting on 
the l)cacli, and the land will produce corn and sea-island cotton equal to a.nj land 
in the world. It lies west of the San Barnard about half a mile. 

2214 Acres out of the AVILLIAM McDERMOTT league, adjoining Gen. 
Hamilton's plantation. 

2214 Acres out of the EDWIN WALLER league, situated on the eastern 
waters of the river Brazos. 

350 Acres out of the JOHN WILLIAMS league, situated on the waters of 
the Brazos River. 

BRAZOS COUNTY. 

4428 Acres, the headright gnuiicl by ilic Mexican Government to SAMUEL 
DAVIDSON, situated on the west bank of the river Brazos.— having a very great 
front on that river, and including that noted point called McKIXNEY'S BLUFF. 
This tract contains some of the richest Brazos bottom-lands to be found on the 
banks of that stream, and is said to be entirely above overflow. It will be divided 
into ti-acts suitalde for plantations, if desired. Few leagues of land in the State 
offer greater iuduceinents to parties wlio wish to make a sure, safe and profitable 
investment. 

BURLESON COUNTY. 

531 Acres out of a Survey of 22'J7 acres, A. M. COOPER, on Hickory Creek, 
SIX miles S. 55° E. from Caldwell, tex miles S. 13° W. from the crossing of the 
Snn Antonio and Naco'^^doches Road on Brazos River. 

1476 Acres. JOSEPH MAXIMILIAN, thirty miles S. 71° W. from Caldwell, 
twenty miles N. 31° E. from Bastrop. 

4428 Acres granted to JOHN S. Ci>X. on Brazos River. 
BURNET COUNTY. 

320 Acres, WASHINGTON WILKIXS. on the Colorado River, nine and a 
QUARTER miles S. 76° W. from the town of Hamilton, and fourteen .miles N. 43° 
AV. from the mouth of Hamilton Creek. This tract includes the mouth of Web- 
ster's Creek. 

640 Aires, ANTHONY ILL, on Double Horn Creek, nineteen miles S. 12° W. 
from the town of Hamilton, and SEVEN AND THREE-QUARTER MILES S. 34° W. from 
the mouth of Hamilton's Creek. 

640 Acres, W. G. POIXDEXTER, on the east bank of the riv«r Colorado, nine 



114 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

AND A HALF MILES iST. 80° W. from the town of Hamilton, and seventeen miles 
from the mouth of ILimilton's Creek. 

640 Acres, PHILIP BAKER, on the east bank of the River Colorado, about 
NINE >riLES X. 77° W. from the town of Hamilton. 

191 Acres, JOHN WEBB, on Love Creek, twenty and a half miles S. 5° E. 
from Hamilton, and eight miles S. 10° E. from mouth of Hamilton's Creek. 

615 Acres, G. W. HERRICK, on Love Creek, nineteen miles S. 2° E. from the 
town of Hamilton. 

640 Acres, THOMAS HANCOCK, in Hamilton's Valley, adjoining II. Koontz 
Survev, FOUR miles S. 52° E. from the town of Hamilton. 

300 Acres, DANIEL NICODEMUS. Survey No. 204, on the head-waters of 
Morgan's Creek, abovit nine miles N. 7° W. from the town of Hamilton. 

320 Acres, No. 78, PHINEAS JAMES. Survey No. 52, about eighteen miles 
S. L'>° W. from the town of Hamilton, and near the Colorado River. 

320 Acres, HERSCHEL COZIME, Survey No. 64, on the waters of Double 
Horn, seventeen :hiles S. 6° W. from town of Hamilton, including the crossing 
of Double Horn Creek, on the road leading to Collins & Swisher's Mill. This tract 
is well watered, contains more than an average of fine farming land and fair timber, 
and is within one siile of the residence and farm of Robert Burnham, Esq. 

160 Acres, J. M. ROBINETT, on the waters of Hamilton Creek, about five 
miles S. 41° E. from the town of Hamilton. This tract lies near where the road 
from Austin to the Mormon Mill (now known as Smithwick's Mill) leaves the road 
from Austin to the town of Hamilton, and about 0N£-half mile above the farm and 
residence of Mr. Farr. 

320 Acres, SAMUEL P. IIAWES, on the waters of the East Fork of Hamil- 
ton's Creek, on the road leading to Smithwick's Mill, and about five miles from 
the town of Hamilton. This tract adjoins the above tract in the name of J. M. 
Robinett, is well watered and timbered, and has at least two-thirds rich available 
farming-land. 

320' Acres, AUGUSTUS WAGNER, Survey No. 78, on the waters of Flat Rock 
Creek, about twenty-eight miles S. 18° W. from Hamilton, and about four miles 
from William 0. Burnham's farm. 

160 Acres, W. B. LEPEYRE. on the East bank of the Colorado River, about 
ELEVEN AND A HALF MILES S. 63° W. from the town of Hamilton, known as Survey 
No. 116, about ONE AND A HALF MILES below Mr. Hoover's farm, on the river Colorado. 

196 Acres out of the MATIO SILVA Tract, immediately south of the residence 
of Josiah Fowler, Esq., on Little Cj'press of the Colorado. This tract lies between 
his farm and the Perdenales Hills, has on it at least 70 acres of fine farming land, 
a sufficiency of firewood, and an excellent spring of pure water, and is a choice 
selection for a person who desires a healthy location ; valuable stock-range, the 
advantages of a good school and excellent societj'; known as Survey 261, about 
EIGHTEEN MILES S. 10° E. froiii the town of Hamilton. 

61V Acres, MARIA J. DE LA GARZA, situated on Hamilton Creek, Survey No. 
504, about two and a half miles N. 17°. E. from the town of Hamilton, and with- 
in A MILE of the fine farm of Peter Carr, Esq., who owns the adjoining land. 

46 Acres. MEMUCAN HUNT, Survey No. 305, on the north side of the Per- 
dinales, about twenty miles S. 16° E. from the town of Hamilton; an admirable 
little settlement for a person of moderate desires in the possession of laud. It has, 
however, an immense outlet for stock. 

320 Acres, PHILIP BAKER, eleven miles N. 83° W. from the town of Hamil- 
ton. Has a fine front on the river Colorado. 

640 Acres. J. LOVERIDGE, on the east bank of the Colorado River, eleven 
MILKS N. 77° W. from the town of Hamilton. 

1391 Acres out of EDAVARD E. WILLIAMS' Tract, adjoining and nearly sur- 
rounding the thousand-acre tract purchased by Josiah Fowler, and being near his 
residence. This tract can be divided into two or three farms, and is in the neigh- 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 115 

borhood of good society and soliool ]irivilc.a;c ; known as Surt'ey No. 2G0, about 
SEVKNTKKX Mil KS S. 2° Vi' . fiom tlic tiiwii ot' llnniilton. 

149 Acres, PHILIP KREISEK, Survey No. 114, on the waters of Backbone 
Creek, tuljoininjr tlie rosi<lence of John llarvc}', Esq. 

480 Acres, AVM. AIKENS, Survey No. 102, on the waters of Backbone Creek 
and S|iare Rib Creeks. One of the most thriving settlements in the State. 

516 Acres, GEORGE W. IIERRICK, xixetee\ miles south of llamilton, on 
Love Creek. 

320 Acres, ABRAHAM BRADLEY, situated on the S. W. side of the river 
Coliinulo. about twelve miles from the town of Hamilton. 

320 Acres, ABRAHAM BRADLEY, about seventeen- miles from the town of 
Hamilton, on the S. W. bank of the river Colorado. 

640 Acres, J. B. LOVERED(iE, on the east bunk of the river Colorado, about 
TEN AND A HALF .MILES N. 74° E. fnim the town of Hamilton. 

640 Acres, CHRISTIAN THIRLMAN, about fifteen miles S. 15° E. from the 
town "f Hamilton, on N. E. bank of the river Colorailo. 

640 Acres, PHILIP RILEY, on the waters of the Colorado, fifteen miles 
S. I t° E. from the town of Hamilton. 

640 Acres. G. W. POINDEXTER, on the cast bank of the river Colorado, ten 
ANo A HALF MILES N. 80° W . from the town of Hamilton, and about eighteen 
jiii.ES from mouth of Hamilton Creek. 
640 Acres, GEORGE W. HOCKLEY, and 

640 Acres. JOSEPH BAKER. These surveys have been united and subdivided 
into tracts of 100 acres, and, beinij in the immediate vicinity of the town of Hamil- 
ton, ofl'er great inducements to iirofessional men, as a quiet home near a thriving town. 
3 Tracts of 360 acres each, situated and fronting on Hamilton Creek. These 
tracts adjoin one another, and the portion of the land on the creek is of a very su- 
perior qualit}-, while the back lands are covered with fine cedar, which can be 
easily transported, and is witliin three miles of one of the very best mill-privileges 
in Te.\as, — formerly called the Mormun Mills, but now known as Smithwick's mill. 
These tracts are situated on the Francis S. Earley Tract, about ten miles S. from 
llamilton, and are well improved, with comfortable double log house, and forty 
acres under fence. 

11 Tracts out of the SMITH BAILEY league and labor, on the east bank of 
the Colorado River, about ten miles S. 74° W. from the town of Hamilton. The 
road from the town of Hamilton to Fort Mason passes directly through this tract, 
640 Acres, Survey No. 2, immediately above the farm of Mr. Hoover, having 
a river-front in a straight line of lO'.IO varas, and is in the bond of the river. 

250 Acres, Survey No. ;>, adjoining the back part of the tract purchased by 
Mr. Hoover. A very valuable tract of cedar-land, but no farming-land on it. 

250 Acres, Survey No. 5. There is some very valuable cedar timber on this 
tract, and about 50 acres of rich valley-land, two si)lendid springs — one affording 
a site for a spring-house which a New England dairywoman might be proud to 
possess, the other affording fine water-power. 
250 Acres, Survey No. 7, on Webster's Creek. 
317 Acres, Survey No. 8, on Webster's Creek. 
250 Acres. Survey No. 9. This tract has some splendid cedar. 
250 Acres, Survey No. 10. Valuable cedar tract. 
267 Acres, Survey No. 11. Good upland, cedar timber and water. 
267 Acres, Survey No. 12. Good mezquite upland, fine spring and admirable 
■k-i'ange. 

267 .Veres, Survey No. 13. Good mezquite upland. 

320 Acres out of the XENOPHON GRANT. 040 acre Survey, on the S. W. side 
of the Colorado River, about nineteen miles S. 10° W. of the town of Hamilton. 
The balance of this tract is owned bv Josiah Fowler. 



116 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

320 Acres, AABON H. BEAN, Survey No. 77, on the southwest side of the 
Colorado River, about eighteen miles from the town of Hamilton. 

CALDWELL COUNTY. 

1476 Acres, LEWIS WAY, ou the waters of Peach Creek, eighteen and 
THREE-QUARTER MILES S. 57° E. from Lockhart, sixteen and a half miles N. 
10° E. from Gonzales. 

640 Acres, IRA BISBEE, on Plum Creek, about six and a half miles N. 54° 
W. from Lockhart. 

COMAL COUNTY. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 204, Section 3, on 
the waters of the Cibolo. 

640 Acres, PETER FRAZIER, Survey 210, Section 3, on the waters of the • 
Cibolo, TWENTY-FOUR MILES N. 24° W. from San Antonio, and thirty-two miles 
N. 75° W. from New Braunfels, on the Old Road from San Antonio to Fredericksburg. 

160 Acres, TAPLEY W. BENNETT, Survey No. 61, on Rebecca's Creek, 
NINETEEN AND A HALF MILES N. 41° W. from New Braunfels, twenty-four miles 
due W. from San Marcos. 

320 Acres, TAPLEY W. BENNETT, Survey No. 7, transferred by Bennett to 
J. De Cordova, on the Guadalupe River, twenty-eight and a half miles N. 61° 
W. from New Braunfels. 

454 Acres, Assignee of S. CROWSON, Survey No. 5, on the Guadalupe River, 28 
MILES N. 60° W. from New Braunfels, fifty-five miles S. 63° W. from Austin. 

420 Acres, JOHN H. JONES. Survey No. 5, on the north bank of the Guada- 
lupe River, eighteen miles N. 37° W. from New Braunfels, ten and a half 
MILES S. 24° W. from the mouth of Martin's Fork. 

173 Acres, FREDERICK PEYNGHOUSE. nine and a half miles N. 20° E. 
from New Braunfels. nine and a half miles S. 59° W. from San Marcos. 

320 Acres, A. C. HORTON. Survey No. 27, on the north bank of the Guada- 
lupe, fourteen miles N. 25° W. from New Braunfels, sixteen and a half miles 
S. 84° W. from San Marcos. 

165 Acres, WILSON T. LIGHTFOOT, nineteen miles N. 35° W. from New 
Braunfels, ONE AND A half miles N. of the Guadalupe. 

2952 Acres, W. W. ALSBERY. Survey No. 32, ten miles N. 10° E. from New 
Braunfels, ten and a half miles S. 67° W. from San Marcos. 

640 Acres, Donation Claim of the heirs of HENRY S. STOUFFER, Survey 
No. 222, in Section 3, on the waters of the Cibollo. 

2214 Acres out of the NOEL MIXON League. No. 23. on the waters of the Rio 
Blanco, thirty-one and a half miles N. 27° W. from New Braunfels, twenty- 
nine miles N. 62° W. from San Marcos. This tract has been divided into suitable 
farming-lots^^^See advertisement. 

160 Acres, JOHN OWEN, Survey No. 54, on Martin's Fork, Rio Blanco, thirty- 
five AND A quarter MILES N. 39° W. from New Braunfels, thirty-six miles N. 
70° AV. from San Marcos, on the Braunfels and Fredericksburg Road. 

320 Acres, SOLOMON CLEVELAND, Survey No. 1, Martin's Fork of the 
Blanco, thirty-nine miles N. 44° W. from New Braunfels, forty and a half 
MILES N. 70° W. from San Marcos. 

320 Acres, J. HANSON, Survey No. 7, on Simmon's Creek, west of the Guada- 
lupe River, and near Judge Jones' saw-mill, about twenty-five and a half miles 
N. 52° W. from Braunfels. 

400 Acres, JESSE AV. WILSON, Survey No. 49, Section No. 2, on the south 
side of the Guadalupe River, adjoining a Survey made in the name of J. D. 
Calder. 

172 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of WILSON LIGHTFOOT, on the Guada- 
lupe, about THIRTY-FIVE MILES N. 62 W. of New Braunfels, Survey No. 6. 

1535 Acres, G. F. LAWRENCE, on the Guadalupe River, nineteen miles 
N. 31° W. from Seguin, six and a half miles north of New Braunfels. 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 117 

640 Aeres, W. D. HUTCHINSON, on Martin's Fork of the Blanco, thirty- 
NiNK MILKS N. 45° W. from Nuw Braunfels, j'outv-one and a half miles N. 71° 
W. from San Marcos. 

35V Acres out of 71 acres, about twelve miles N. 40° E. of New Braunfels, 
and FIVE and a half miles S. 40° W. from San Marcos, granted to HENRY 
KESLEK, and convevcd to J. Dt< Cordova by nciuv F. Fisher and wife. 

COMAL AND HAYS COUNTY. 

320 Acres, JOHN ilAK.MON, No. 1. about ti;x miles N. 80° W. from San Mar- 
cos, SIXTEEN MILES N. 5° E. (Vdin New Braunfels. 

COOKE COUNTY. 

640 Acres, WM. J. BROWX, Survey No. 9(1. on Red River, in the Great Alex- 
ander Bend, and nineteen and a half miles N. 85° W. of Preston, and twenty- 
one MILES N. 30° E. from Gainesville.!; 

640 Acres, WM. BROCKNER, adjoinin;; the above. 

492 Acres, part of headri,2;ht of WM. H. SCOTT, situated on the waters of Littlo 
Wichita, thirty-six miles N. ;i6° E. from F(U-t Bclkna]), known as Survey No. 11. 

984 Aeres, part of headri.mht of WM. H. SCOTT, known as Survey No. 13, 
situated on the waters of the Little Wichita, about thirtv-five miles N. 35° E. 
from Fort Belknap. 

738 Acres, part of headrifrht of CHARLES LYDTNGS, Survey No. 103, on the 
Little Wichita, about twentv-six miles N. 11° E. IVovn Fort Belknap. 

CORYELL COUNTY. 

201 Acres out of the N. W. corner of a 750 acre tract patented to the heirs of 
F. LEUDERS, on the waters of the Leon, above the head of Neil's Creek, about 
TWEXTV-THREE MILES ahove GatesviUc, and one mile east of the Leon. 

220 Acres, in the name of JAMES H. NEELY, about fourteen miles due 
north from the junction of the South and North Leon, on the head of Resley'3 
Creek, a branch of the Leon, about ninety-two miles above the three forks of 
Little River. 

640 Acres, FERDINAND HALSEL, No. 8, on Sjcaraore Creek, about twenty- 
two MILES N. 75° W. from Gatosville, eighteen and a half miles S. 85° AV. from 
the month of Plum Creek. 

2800 Acres, ABRAHAM SMELSER, forty miles S. 80° W. from Comanche 
Peak, Survey No. 12, ou the North Fork of the Leon. 

DE WITT COUNTY. 

2091 Acres, WM. SIMPSON, i.u the (bar Fi>rk of the Sandies, about eight 
Axi> A HALF MILES N. 04° West from Clintioi, mm; miles N. 23° E. from York- 
town. 

DENTON COUNTY. 

213 Acres, part of the donation-laud of JOHN J. HAND, situated on the waters 
of the West Fork of the Trinity River, about twenty-three and a half miles 
N. 44° E. from Fort Belknap. 

FALLS COUNTY. 

492 Acres, HARDIN AV'ALDHUP, on Deer Crock, eighteen miles S. 84° W. 
from Milam, sixteen miles S. 02° W. from mouth of Cow Bayou. 

836 Aeres GEORGE ALEXANDER, between ludian and Pond Creek, thirteen 
miles S. 42° W. from Milam, nineteen and a half miles N. 77° W. above the 
mouth of Pond Creek. 

504 Acres, F. LUDERS, thirteen and a half miles S. 80° W. from Milam, 
thii;ii;en- miles S. tjt)° W. from the mouth of Deer Creek. 

640 Acres, JOSEPH K. LEE, twelve miles S. 48° W. from Milam, nineteen 
AN!> A HALF MILES N. 70° W. tVoiu tlic moutli of Poud Creek. 

492 Acres granted to the heirs of C. ROONEY, deceased, and by Patrick H. 
Roouey transferred to J. De Cordova, ou the cast side of Elm Creek, about 
EIGHTEEN AND A UALP MILES S. 82° W. from Milam. 



118 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

2214 Acres, part of the WESLEY FISHER Survey of one league, situated on 
the river Brazos. 

4428 Acres, SETH BATES, headright fronting the Brazos River. A very 
heavily-timbered tract, with a great amount of the richest Brazos bottom-land 
on it, below the town of Marlin. 

FANNIN COUNTY. 

320 Acres, in the name of JAMES STEEN, Survey Xo. 46, on Mineral Creek. 
FISHER AND MILLER'S COLONY. 

160 Acres granted to FRIEDRICH KLAWON, Survey Xo. 574, in Giddings' 
District, about thikty-six miles N. 47° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and 
TWENTY FOUR MILES N. 67° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

160 Acres granted to FRIEDRICH KLAWON, Survey No. 576, in Giddings' 
District, about thirty-six miles N. 47° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and twenty- 
four MILES N. 67° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted JOHANN CHOLENAUSKY, Survey No. 792, about seven- 
teen MILES N. 54° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and about forty-one 
MILES N. 56° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres granted CARL A. JULKE, Survey No. 751, about nineteen miles 
N. 6'J° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and thirty-eigiit miles N. 53° E. 
from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres granted to CHRISTIAN FROELICH, Survey No. 750, about thirty- 
nine miles N. 54° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and about eighteen miles N. 
67° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

160 Acres granted CARL FROELICH, Survey No. 1148, in Giddings' Dis- 
trict, about twenty-eight miles N. 74° AY. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and 
TWENTY-NINE MILES N. 44° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres granted to CARL FROELICH, Survey No. 1149, in Giddings' District, 
about TWENTY-EIGHT MILES N. 74° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and 
TWENTY-NINE MILES N. 44° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres granted to CARL FROELICH, Survey No. 1150, in Giddings' District, 
about TWENTY-EIGHT MILES N. 74° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and twenty- 
nine MILES N. 44° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres granted to CARL FROELICH. Survey No. 1151, in Giddings' District, 
about TWENTY-EIGHT MILES N. 74° W. tVoiu the mouth of Brady's Creek, and 
twenty-nine MILES N. 44° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres granted GOTTFRIED JULKE. Survey No. 789, in Giddings' District, 
about FORTY MILES N. 57° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and seventeen miles 
N. 60° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted GOTTFRIED JULKE, Survey No. 790, in Giddings' District, 
al)out FORTY MILES N. 57° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and seventeen miles 
N. 60° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted HEINRICH HOPPEL, Survey No. 1130, in Giddings' Dis- 
trict, about TWENTY-NINE MILES N. 47° E. from the old San Saba Fort, and twenty- 
six MILES N. 76° W. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted heirs of H. GOLDAMMER, Survey No. 270, District 3, about 
THHEE MILES N. of the San Saba, and twenty-two miles E. of the old San Saba 
Fort, and twenty-eight miles above the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted JOHN B. SOBBE, Survey No. 17, Erskine's District, about 
ELEVEN MILES N. 35° E. from Fort Mason, and nineteen miles S. 27° W. from the 
mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres granted HENRY BRECKER, Survey No. 115, Hays District, about 
twenty-one miles S. 34° E. from the mouth of Brady's Creek, and twenty-eight 
miles N. 73° E. from Fort Mason. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of NICHOLAS ELBERT, Survey No. 53, 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 119 

in District 7, on the waters of the Llano River, about eleven and a half miles 
N. 79° W. from Fort Mason. 

160 Acres, J. Do Cordova, Assignee of CARL BURCIIHARD, Survey No. 1809, 
in District 3, on tlic w.atei-s of the Colorado River, about twenty-eight miles N. 
15° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres. J. De Cordova, Assignee of JOSEPH BLEIKE, Survey No. 1055, in 
District o, on the veaters of the Colorado River, about thirty-six miles N. 40° E. 
from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of CONRAD MARTIN, Survey No. 188.3, 
in District .3, on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty miles N. 9° E. 
from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of H. HEINMAN, Survey No. 1929, in 
District .'3, on the waters of Brady's Creek, a tributary of the San Saba, about 
EiGHTKEN MILES N. 8° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova., Assignee of U. STRAUBE, Survey No. 1707, in Dis- 
trict 3, on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty-six and a half miles 
N. 18° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of HEINRICII RICHTER, deceased. Sur- 
vey No. 179, in District 3, on the waters of the San Sal)a, a triljutary of the Colo- 
rado, about EIGHTEEN MILES N. 60° E. of the old San Saba Fort. 
[ 320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of T. H. COERS. Survey No. 197, in Dis- 
I trict 2, on the waters of AVilbarger's Creek, a tributarj' of the Colorado River, about 
TEN Mii.KS S. 28° W. from the mouth of the said creek. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of JOIIANN IL SCIIOLL, Survey No. 
1407, in District 3, on the waters of Brady's Creek, about twenty miles N. 35° E. 
from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of NICHOLAS GENGLER, Survey No. 
249, in District J 0. on the waters of the Llano, about three and a half miles N. of 
ihe same, and i:leven miles W. of the Colorado River, and twenty-one jiiles N. 
80° W. from Hamilton. 

160 Acres J. De Cordova, Assignee of DAVID MATZE, Survey No. 2130, 
in District 3, on the waters of the San Saba, two miles N. of the same, and about 
SINE miles above the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

160 Acres. J. Dc Cordova, Assignee of D. WILIIEIM, Survey No. 1825, in Dis- 
trict 3. on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty-three miles N. 12° E. 
from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres, ,J. De Cordova, Assignee of H. HEINMAN, Survey No. 1931, in 
District 3, on the waters of Brady's Creek, a tributary of the San Saba, about 
nineteen miles N. 13° E. of the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres J. De Cordova, Assignee of D. WILHEIM, Survey No. 182.3, in Dis- 
trict No. 3, on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty-three mlles N. 13° 
E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of WILIIELM BUEL, Survey No. 4G3, 
in District No. 2, on the waters of Horse Creek, atrihutary of Colorado River, eight 
AND A HALF MILES N. 85° W. from tlic mouth of San Saba River. 

420 Acres, J. De Cordova. Assignee of H. HAHXEWACKER, Survey No. 1955, 
in District No. 3, on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty miles N. 6° E. 
ti-oin old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, William R. Baker, Assignee of CHRISTIAN FROELICH, and by 
him transferred to J. De Cordova, Survey No. 749, in District 3, on the waters 
of the Colorado River, about forty miles N. 53° E. from the old San Saba Fort. 

160 Acres Wm. R. Baker, Assignee of FRIEDRICH KLAWON, and by 
him transferred to J. De Cordova, Survey No. 577, in District 3, on the waters of 
Brady's Creek, a tributary of San Saba, about thirty-four miles N. 48° E. from 
the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, William R. Baker, Assignee of FRIEDRICH KLAWON, and by 



120 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

him transferred to J. De Cordova, Survey No. 576, iu District No. 3, on the waters i 
of Brady's Creek, about forty-six miles N. 4S° E. from the okl San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. Do Cordova, Assignee of WILIIELM HAYDE, Survey No. 273, in 
District No. 3, on the waters of the San Saba, about twenty miles N. 75° E. from 
the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of JOHANNES SCIIAUB, Survey No. 33, 
in District No. 2, on the waters of Spring Cieek, about twExXty-eight miles W. of 
the mouth of the San Saba, and about thirteen miles N. of said river. 

320 Acres of Land, JOHANN BUHLMAN, Surveys No. 1121 and 1127, in Gid- 
dings' District, situated on the waters of the Colorado River, about twenty-six and 
A HALF MILES JS^. 73° W. fi'om the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

320 Acres, in two tracts of 160 acres each, CARL BAHR, Surveys 1206 and 
1207, Giddings' District, on the waters of the Colorado River, about thirty-three 
AND A HALF MILES N. 30° E. froui the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, FREDERICK SCHMIDT, Survey No. 82, in Harvey's District, on 
the waters of Wilbarger's Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, about fifty- 
seven miles N. 49° E. from the San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, B. C. ARCHENBECK, Survey No. 209, in Howard's District, No. 1, 
situated on the waters of the Llano, about twenty-four miles S. 79° W. from Fort 
Mason. 

320 Acres, JOHANN MENTEN. Survey No. 72, iu Howard's District, No. 7, 
situated on the waters of the Llano River, about twenty-one miles S. 63° E. from 
the old San Saba Fort. 

320 Acres, headright of MARTIN FLOECK, on the waters of the San Saba 
River, about twenty-four miles N. 73° E. from the old San Saba Fort, being 
Survey No. 3i5 in Section No. 3. 

320 Acres, CARL ZINKE,two surveys of 160 acres each, Nos. 23 and 24 in Mon- 
tell's District, No. 6, between the Llano and San Saba Rivers, about twenty-three 
MILES N. 55° E. from Fort Mason. 

320 Acres, DIEDRICH GREWE, Survey No. 139, in Howard's District, No. 1, 
on the waters of the Llano, a tributary of the Colorado, about eight and a half 
MILES N. 51° E. from Fort Mason. 

320 Acres PETER GENGLER, Survey No. 247, iu Bingham's District, No. 70, 
on the waters of the Llano, about nine and a half miles from the river Colorado. 

160 Acres, DIEDRICH MYERS, Survey No. 121, iu Harvey's District, No. 2, 
on the waters of Brady's Creek, a tributary of the Colorado, about seven miles N. 
32° AV. from the mouth of Brady's Creek. 

640 Acres, JACOB REICHELE. Survey No. 142, in McDonald's District, No. 
11, on the south bank of the Concho liivcr, about thirty-two miles S. 5° E. from 
Fort Chadbourue. GILLESPIE COUNTY. 

640 Acres, the donation-land of JESSE K. DAVIS, situated at the head of Loss 
Creek, a tributary of Sandy Creek, about twenty-four miles N. 65° E. from 
Fredericksburg, known as Survey No. 546. 

320 Acres.-II. HOLBROOK, Survey No. 279, Section No. 7, on the waters of 
the Llano, twenty-five and a half miles N. 40° W. from Frederickburg. 

32 Acres, H. HOLBROOK, Survey No. 280, Section No. 8, on the waters of 
the Llano, about twenty-five miles N. 41° W. from Fredericksburg. 

320 Acres, JAMES COCKS, Survey No. 101, J Bexar, i Gillespie county, eleven 
miles S. 29° W. from Fredericksburg, five and a half miles S. 13° W. from the 
mouth of Bear Creek. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 186, on Sandv Creek. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 178, on Honey Creek. 

640 Acres granted to J. E. BETTNER. Survey No. 214, south of the Lhiuo. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 187, on Sandy Creek. 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 294, on the south 
l)ank of the Llano. 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 121 

640 Acres granted to JAMES E. BETTNER, Survey No. 177, on Honey Creek. 

1920 Acres granted to tlie heirs of THOMAS QUIRK, and known as Survey 
No. 1112, situated on the waters of Saudy Creek, a branch of the Colorado, about 
8IXTV MILES N. of San Antonio. 

640 Acres granted to the heirs of THOMAS QUIRK, deceased, and known as 
Survey No. 191, situated on the waters of Sandy Creek, a branch of the Colorado, 
about SIXTY MILKS N. of San Antonio. 

GONZALES COUNTY. 

4605 Acres, THOMAS P. CROSBEY, on the Olmos waters of the Sandies, 
about TWENTY-SEVEN MILES S o2° W. froiu (luuzales, and seventeen miles N. 32° 
E. from Helena. 

GRAYSON COUNTY. 

640 Acres J. BROWN, Survey No. 70, o-5, in Cooke county, twenty anb a 
HALF miles N. 41° E. from Gainesville, and sixteen miles S. 84° W. from Pres- 
ton, on a branch of Red River running into the Great Alexander Bend, about five 
MILES from the river. 

320 Acres C. P. GREEN, adjoining the above. Section No. 75, ^ in Cooko 
county, twenty-one and a half miles N. 40° E. from Gainesville, and sixteen 
AND A HALF MILES west of Preston. 

GRIMES COUNTY. 

2214 Acres of land, being ouc-half of the league granted to JOHN WOOD- 
RUFF, situated on the east of the waters of tlio Navasoto. 

r GUADALUPE COUNTY. 

1476 Acres, JAMES ROBERTSON, on the waters of Little River, ten miles S. 
52° E. from Cameron, twelve miles S. 70° W. fi-om Nashville. 

1043 Acres, Rich'd F. Parker, Assignee of S. COCKERILL, on the west bank 
of the Brazos, about fifteen miles above Comanche Peak. 

100 Acres, J. Dc Cordova, Assignee of JAMES T. MURPHY, Survey No. 16, 
on the waters of York Creek, thirteen miles N. 18° E. from Seguin, eight and 
A HALF miles S. 11° E. from San Marcos. 

320 Acres, JOHN OWENS, Survey No. 9, on the waters of the San Marcos, 
fifteen miles N. 4° W. from Seguin, ten miles N. 58° E. from New Braunfels, 
and SIX AND A HALF MILES S. 24° W. from San Marcos. 

89 Acres, PH. KREISER, on the waters of the Cibolo, seventeen and a half 
MILES N. 8li°W. from Seguin, ten miles S. 47°W. from New Braunfels. Survey 405. 

510 Acres, J. SALADIN, Survey No. 404, on the waters of the Cibolo, 19 miles 
N. 8.i^ W. from Seguin, eleven and a half miles S. 53° W. from New Braunfels. 

174 Acres, B. CANNON, Survey No. 406, on the waters of the Cibolo, eighteen 
miles N. 83° W. from Seguin, eleven miles S. 49° W. from New Braunfels. 

480 Acres, J. De Cordova, Assignee of FRANCIS N. FRY, Section No. 5, on the 
waters of the Guadalupe, five miles N. iU° E. and twelve miles S. 57° W. 
from San Marcos. 

11 League grant of ANTONIO MARIA EZNAURIZAR, commencing at the 
crossing, from New Braunfels, of Guadalupe River, of the San Antonio Road, 
and extending down that river to within three miles of the flourishing town of 
Seguin, and extending back to the grant on which Don Antonio Navarro formerly 
lived, including valuable selections. On this 11 league grant we have about fifty 
truly valuable tracts of from 80 to 320 acres each, many of which adjoin one 
another. The tracts west of York's Creek are under the charge of Col. John 
D. Pitts, at Stringtown. Those on the east are in charge of Capt Daniel Mur- 
chison, at Comal town. 

HARRIS COUNTY. 

640 Acres granted to JOSEPH SOVEREIGN, as his donation, situated ou tho 
west bank of San Jacinto River. 



122 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

1476 Acres, W. IL YORK, south side of Cypi-ess Bayou, fourteen anh a 
HALF MILES S. 41° E. from Rose Hill, ami fifteen and a half jiiles N. 37° W. 
from Houston. 

1476 Acres, JOHN SELLERS, on the cast side of San Jacinto, twenty-thrf.b 
AND a half miles N. 62° E. from Houston, thirty-eight jiiles S. 78° E. from 
Rose Hill. 

1476 Acres, ANDREAV McSTEE, on Spring Creek, partly in Grimes and Aus- 
tin counties, forty-three and a half jiiles N. 52° AY. of the city of Houston, 
and TWENTY-TWO AND A HALF MILES S. 45° W. of Montgoiuerj'. 

400 Acres, of land, known as SPILMAN'S ISLAND, lying in the Bay of San 
Jacinto, one mile above Col. Morgan's. It is a fine place for a residence, — abounds 
in fish and fowls, and is a regular landing-place for the Galveston and Houston 
packets. For sale or exchange for up-country lands. Title indisputable. 
HAYS COUNTY. 

640 Acres, headright of SAMUEL JOHNSON, Survey No. 140. on the waters of 
Cypress Fork of the Rio Blanco, about twenty miles N. 52° W. from the town 
of San Marcos. 

4505 Acres, R. D. STEWART, Survey No. 179, on the Perdenales, 37 and a 
HALF MILES N. 36° W. from San Marcos, thirty-four miles N. 32°W. from Austin. 

1555 Acres out of 4605 acres, SUSANNAH JACKSON, Survey No. 9, on the 
waters of the Perdenales, forty-one miles N. 36° W. from San Marcos, thirty- 
eight MILES from Austin N. 87° W. 

796 Acres, GUERMO QUEVEDO, No. 7, on the waters of the Rio Blanco, 

TWENTY-THREE AND A HALF MILES N. 54° W. from Sail Mai'COS, THIRTY-THREE AND 

A HALF MILES S. 72° W. from Austin. 

680 Acres, GUERMO QUEVEDO, No. 5, on the head-waters of Cypress Creek 
of the Rio Blanco, twenty-one and a half miles N. 55° W. from San Marcos, 
THIRTY-TWO AND A QUARTER MILES S. 67° W. from Austin. 

320 Acres, A. G. GORDALL, No. 6, on the head-waters of Cypress Fork, 
twenty-one and a quarter miles N. 50° W. from San Marcos, thirty-two 
MILES S. 68° W. from Austin. 

426 Acres, BENJAMIN PAGE, Survey No. 64, on the Cypress Fork of the 
Blanco, twelve miles N. 51° "VV. from San Marcos, one mile N. 50° AV. from the 
mouth of Cypress Fork. 

640 Acres, JAMES BRACKEN, Survey No. 134, on the waters of Onion Creek, 
twenty-two and a HA) F MILES N. 7° W. from San Marcos, sixteen and a half 
MILES S. 77° W. from Austin. 

1280 Acres, W. C. M. SMITHSON, Survey No. 3, on the waters of the San 
Marcos, about five miles N. 80° W. from the town of San Marcos, and fifteen 
AND a half miles N. 25° E. from New Braunfels. 

HENDERSON COUNTY. 

4428 Acres, THOMAS CARO, on the waters of the Trinity, about nine miles 
N. 82° W. from Athens. 

177 Acres, THOMAS CARO, on the waters of the Trinity, about sixteen miles 
N. 73° W. from Athens. 

JASPER COUNTY. 

1920 Acres, Bounty Land of FRANCIS L. DESAUQUE, on the east side of 
the Neches River. A very heavily-timbered tract. 

1920 Acres, granted to FRANCIS L. DESAUQUE, on the east side of the 

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 
1107 Acres, AVILLIAM McFARLAND. 

1476 Acres out of JOHN BLAIR'S League Survey, in the vicinity of Wolf 
Point, about twenty-one miles S. 78° AV. from Beaumont. 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 123 

JOHNSON COUNTY. 

H36 Acres, J. F. GIROD, about tiiii!tf.kn mii.ks N. iS° W. from Comanche 
Teak, nbout six milks S. 47° W. tVoiii t!iu mouth of Kickapoo Creek. 

640 Acres, E. B. Nichols, Assigueo of JOHN HAMILTON, on the Brazos River, 
about Ti;x MILKS above the mouth of the Poluxy, and thuee miles N. G5° E. from 
the Comanche Peak. 

KINNEY COUNTY, 

1476 Acres. AV. N. FRENCH, Survey No. 2(;2, on the Espantoso Lake,TinuTY- 
NiNi'; VNi) A HALT MU.Ks S. 80° E. from Eagle Pass, three miles N. 65° W. from 
the crossini; of the Presidio Road. 

1476 -Veres, .JAMES McGEE, Survey No. 205, on the Espantoso Lake, thirty- 
eight Axn A HALr MILES S. 8:i° E. from Eagle Pass, four miles N. 55° W. from 
the crossini;; of the Presidio Road, on the west b.ank of the Nueces. 

325 Acres, J. W. GATES, Survey No. 132, on the west bank of the Nueces, 
T\\ r.NTV-oNE MiLi:s abovc the orossinj;^ of Wool's Road. 

1476 Acres, MOSES ALLISON, Elinon Creek, Survey No. ,362, Section 11, 
al oui TWENTY-ONE MILES N. 48° E. froin Eagle Pass. 

640 Acres Donation Land. MOSES ALLISON, on Live-Oak Creek, Survey 
No. 382, Section 10, about twentv-i-'ive miles N. 06° E. from Eagle Pass. 
LAVACA COUNTY. 

2214 Acres, outof the ALEXANDER PORTER League, situated on tho waters 
of the Lavaca River, above the La Bahia Road. 

LEON COUNTY. 

640 Acres, .1. H. BROWN, on the waters of Keechi, about nine miles S. 70° E. 
from Centreville. 

427 Acres granted to Moses Campbell, Assignee of WILLIAM FOWLER, situ- 
ated between Keechi and Boggy Creeks. 

640 Acres granted to Moses Campbell, Assignee of WM. McKAY BALL, lying 
between Keechi and Boggy Creeks, about two miles from Centreville, in Leon 
county. 

LIBERTY COUNTY. 

4428 Acres granted to GEORGE F. PAYNE, by the Mexican Government, 
adjiiiniiig the headright of Henry Millard. 

320 Acres, POLETE GARCIA, on the south bank of Pine or Alabama Creek, 
generally known as Big Sandy Creek, about thirty-four miles N. 27° E. ft-om 
Libortv. 

640 Acres granted to C. J. O'Connor, Assignee of J. P. DOVANBERRY, on 
the south bank of Big Sandv. 

640 Acres granted to MAXWELL VICTOR, on the south side of Big Sandy. 

320 Acres granted to C. J. O'Connor, Assignee of C. L. LUND, on the waters 
of Pine Island IJavou. 

177 Acres graiite.l to C. J. O'Connor, Assignee of MARY WHEELOCK, eight 
MILKS east of the 'i'riuity. 

540 .Veres granted to ANDREW IT AY,on tho Big Sandy, a tributary of the 
Nechcs River, thirty-five miles N. E. by N. from Liberty, twenty miles from 
the Trinity. 

320 Acres, C. F. O'CONNOR, on the south bank of Pine or Alabama Creek, gene- 
rally known as Big Sandy Creek, aliout thirty-four miles N. ■i<i° E. from Liberty. 

320 Acres, CHARLES C. LUND, on the waters of Pine Island Bayou, about 
twkntv-seven miles N. 30° E. from Liberty. 

320 Acres, L. J. BRUN, adjoiiiinir the above. 

1476 Acres, T. R. EDMUNDSON, on a fork of Point Island Bayou, about 
TWENrv-FivE miles N. 27° E. from Liberty. 



•124 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

UMESTONE COUNTY. 
3129 Acres a;ranterl to P. S. McNEIL. nn Big and Christmas Creeks. 
500 Acres, RICHARD RUTLEDGE, thirteen miles N. 70° W. i'rom Spring- 
field, about SEVEN MILES S. 83° W. from moutli of Christmas Creek. 
MATAGORDA COUNTY. 
640 Acres, JOSEPH BISHOP, A. F. James, Assignee, west of the Colorado, 
about FOUR MILES from Matagorda, and one and a half miles north of Matagorda 
Bay. 

MEDINA COUNTY. 

320 Acres out of 640 Acres, WILLIAM B. NICHOLS, Survey No. 435, on the 
waters of the Saco, twenty-one miles N. 85° W. from Castroville, forty-foue 
MILES S. 87° ^Y. from San Antonio, and about four miles north of Dhanis. 

IWXENNAN COUNTY. 

320 Acres, RICHARD S. EPES, situated on the south side of the South Bosque, 
about TWELVE MILES from the flourishing town of Waco. 

960 Acres, part of JAMES STEWART'S Bounty Land, on Bull-Hide Creek, 
Eir;HT miles from Waco. 

960 Acres, part of the Bounty Land of JAMES STEWART, on Bull-Hide Creek, 
NINE iriLES from Waco, the county seat of McLennan county. 

640 Acres, headright of WILLIAM HARRIS. This survey includes the highest 
hill in Texas, the Comanche Peak, on the top of which are about 300 acres of beau- 
tiful level farming-land, and a spring of pure water. 

320 Acres, headright of GEORGE AVILCOCKSON, at the foot of the Coman- 
che Peak, including a celebrated camping-ground, and having the advantages of 
water and timber. 

1476 Acres, heirs of HENRY S. STOUFFER, situated on the east side of the 
North Prong of the Bosque River. 

200 Acres, J. De Cordova, assignee of WILSON T. LIGHTFOOT, near the 
middle stream of the Bosque, on the east side thereof, about sixteen miles W. 
from Waco. 

1-6 League, patented to MINNETT BARRETT, on Harris Creek, about 
EIGHTEEN MILES S. 63° W. from Waco. 

16 Labors, patented to MATIIIAS SILVA, on the east side of Hogg Creek, about 
SIXTEEN MILES N. 8° W. from AVaco. 

177 Acres, patented to JAMES WILKERSON, near Harris Creek, about thir- 
teen MILES S. 68° W. from Waco. 

40 Acres eligibly situated in the town of Waco. 

30 Acres farming-lots in the neighborhood of the town of Waco. 

960 Acres, patented to the heirs of JAMES STEWART, on the waters of Bull- 
Hide Creek and Cow Bayou, about ten mOes S. 24° W. from Waco. 

738 Acres, JAMES B. DORSEY, on the east side of Hogg Creek, thirteen 
miles N. 88° W. from AYaco, about twenty seven miles S. 35° E. from Meridian. 

960 Acres, J. SPROAVLS, on Cow Bayou, fourteen miles S. 23i° AV. from AVaco. 

960 Acres, J. SPROAVLS, on Bull-Hide Creek, nine miles S. 30° AV. from Waco. 

640 Acres, CHARLES H. LEE, about four miles N. 70° AV. from mouth of 
Bosque, and seven miles N. 60° A\\ from AA'aco. 

320 Acres, T. F. HART, about nine miles AV^ from mouth of Bosque in Bra- 
zos River, eleven miles N. 83° AA'. from AA'aco. 

202 Acres, A. BRISCOE, on Green's Creek. 

137i Acres, A. D. KELKER, on AVasp Creek, about eighteen miles due west 
from AVaco, fifteen miles from mouth of Childres Creek. 

640 Acres, PROSPERO BARNARDI, southwest of the Poluxy, about twenty- 



LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 125 

TnREE miles N. 30° W. from Meridian, Bosque county; soutli of Poluxy about 
ninm: miles above its inontli. 

320 Acres, C. B. ADAMS, on the waters of the South Prong of the Bosque, about 
Ni\i:rr.i:N miles S. 52° AV. I'nnii Waco. 

492 Acres, ANDREW MOORE, on the west side of the main Bosque River, 
8 miles above the forks of same. .Mml ab.mt I'ornTRKN miles N. 79 °W. from Waco. 
MILAM COUNTY. 

1280 Acres granted to W. IL SMITH, on Cedar Creek. 

2214 Acres out of the GILBERT CRIBBS grant of 4428 acres, situated on the 
rivoi- l!r:i7.(is, being the balance of the same tract sold Wm. CundifiF, Esq. 

1280 Acres Bc.unty Lan<l. WM. II. S.MITII. Cedar Creek and the road between 
Caiiiwell and Cameron run through this tract. 

738 Acres out of the JAMES HAUNUM one-third league tract, situated on 
the waters of the Second Ycgua. 

320 Acres, JOHN STEIN, on Alligator Creek, eighteen miles S. 64° W.from 
Cniiicron. 

320 Acres, WILLIAM WIEGAND, on Alligator Creek, about sixteen miles 
S. a!l° W. from Cameron. 

320 Acres, HUGH GRAY, on Alligator Creek, seventeen miles S. 61° AY. from 
Ciimcnm. 

320 Acres, WILLIAM I:ANE, on Alligator Creek, seventeen miles S. 62° W. 
from C:inieron. 

640 Acres, G. ALEXANDER, on Elm Creek, eight miles N. 10° W. from Came- 
ron, fifteen miles S. 74° W. from mouth of Pond Creek. 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

640 Acres, hcadright of .JAMES I'l KRFOINT, on Jlill Creek, about thirteen 
Mii.KS from Jlontgomery town S. oO° W. 

177 Acres granted , on the waters of the Caney Fork of the San Jacinto, 

about NixK MILKS from its junction with the East Fork. 

320 Acres. RICiLVRD ROSS, on the waters of the San Jacinto, twenty-seven 
Mli.KS N. 0° W. from Houston. 

640 Acres. WILLIAM G. MARTIN, about twelve miles N. 16° W. from Mont- 
gonu'iy, FIFTEEN miles S. 46° W. from Iluntsville. 

640 Acres. ERASTUS S. PERKINS, on the waters of the San Jacinto, four 
MILKS cast of the same, aliout rmnTV-TWO miles S. 52° E. from Montgomery. 

1476 Acres, THEODORE SLADE, four miles east of the San Jacinto, and 
about MXETKEN MILES S. 62° E. from Montgomery. 

1535 Acres, CHARLES STEPHENS, on the west bank of the Caney Fork 
of the San Jacinto, twelve miles above its mouth, and about thirty miles S. 
57° v.. from Montgomery. 

640 Acres, A. M. FOLKS, eighteen miles S. 64° E. from Montgomery, and 
FIVE MILES N. 80° E. from the mouth of Lake Creek. 

320 Acres, A. McCOWN, about four miles N. 57° E. from the mouth of Lake 
Creek, and about seventeen miles S. G5° E. from Montgomery. 

320 Acres, A. McCOWN, about eighteen miles S. <)5° E. from Montgomery, 
and n\ E miles N. S1° E. from the mouth of Lake Creek. 

1280 Acres, E. R. HALE, on the waters of Spring Creek, about seventeen 
miles S. 6° E. from Montgomcrv. 

906t Acres, ROBERT KUYKENDALL, on the waters of the San Jacinto, six 
miles N. 7;?° E. from the mouth of Lake Creek, about eighteen miles S. 68° E. 
frimi Montgomery. 

1476 Acres IRA MILLIMAN. thirteen miles above the junction of Caney 
Fork with San Jacinto River, and thirty miles S. 56° E. from Montgomery. 

1564 Acres, CHARLES STEPHENS, about thirteen miles above the mouth 
of the Caney Fork, and thirty miles S. 58° E. from San Jacinto. 



126 LANDS FOR SALE BY J. DE CORDOVA. 

NEWTON COUNTY. 

290 Acres, JESSE TERRY, on the east bank of Big Cow Creek, about nine 
MILES due south from Newton. 

NUECES COUNTY. 

1477 Acres, CHARLES STEPHENS, Survey No. 76. on the south bank of the 
Nueces River, fifty-two miles N. 72° W. from San Patricio, thirty miles above 
and TWENTY-TWO MILES bclow the crossing of the Laredo Road. 

1476 Acres, JOHNH. SMITH, Survey No. 25, about nine miles S. 77° W. from 
Corpus Christi, six miles S. 10° W. from the mouth of the Nueces. 

1476 Acres, WILLIAM McGILL, Survey No. 54, on the south bank of the Nue- 
ces River, adjoining D. S. Grayson, about forty'-two miles N. 62° W. from San 
Patricio, fifteen miles above the mouth of Rio Frio. 
POLK COUNTY. 

2-3 League and 1 Labor granted to EDWARD B. JACKSON, on the head- 
waters of Pine Island Bayou, twenty-five miles N. by E. from the town of 
Liberty. 

1476 Acres granted to W. L. GREEN, about seven miles cast of the Trinity. 

1107 Acres, JOHN A. SCHNELL, west of the Trinity River, about nine miles 
•west of Smithfield, and thirteen miles S. 16° W. from Livingston. This land is 
well timbered, far from overflow, and first-rate land, adjoining Jerusha Hardin's. 
ROBERTSON COUNTY. 

1476 Acres granted to P. S. McNEIL, on the waters of Little Brazos. 

177 Acres granted to P. S. McNEIL, two miles N. E. of Franklin. 
TRAVIS COUNTY. 

1476 Acres, Z. HINTON, within sixteen miles of the city of Austin, near 
Manchaca's Spring, and Gen. Pelham's plantation. Price, $2. 

500 Acres of laud out of the headright quarter of a league of WILKINSON 
SPARKS, situated on the river Colorado, opposite the city of Austin, and including 
a fine cedar-brake. 

46 Acres of land granted to M. HUNT, on the waters of the Perdenales, on the 
north side thereof, about twenty-two miles S. 16° E. from the town of Hamilton. 
TYLER COUNTY. 

1476 Acres, M. FEDERSPILL, on the north bank of Big Sandy or Alabama 
Creek, about eighteen miles S. 27° W. from AVoodville. 

4428 Acres granted by the Mexican Government to F. P. ELLIOTT, on the 
west side of the Neches River. 

4428 Acres granted by the Mexican Government to GILBERT SHIELDS, 
on the west side of the Neches River. 

4428 Acres granted by the Mexican Government to MARK M. BRADLEY, 
on the west side of the Neches River. 

4428 Acres granted by the Mexican Government to JOSEPH ELLERY, on the 
west side of the Neches River. 

UVALDE COUNTY. 

640 Acres, JOHN SMITH, Survey I'JO, on the east bank of the Nueces River, 
forty-seven miles N. 58° W. from the mouth of Sabinal, thirty-five miles above 
the crossing of Wall Road, and twenty-eight miles N. 35° W. from Fort Sorge. 

One-third undivided interest in one-half League and Labor of laud granted to 
ABNER ECKOLDS, known as Survey No. 687, in Section 6, on the east side of 
the Rio Frio, about twelve miles above its junction with the Rio Sabinal. 

One-third undivided interest in one-half League and Labor granted to ABNER 
ECKOLDS, known as Survey No. 689, Section 6, on the west side of the Rio Frio, 
about TEN MILES abovo its junction with the Rio Sabinal. 



JAMES C WILSON. 127 

The lives of the leading men of a new country are generally read with deep 
interest, both at home and abroad, as they embody many incidents that arc worth 
preserving, which would otherwise be lost; and, as wo believe that no countrj-'s 
early history affords more important lessons of what can bo accomplished than 
that of Texas, we present the following RioGR.vriiicAi. Skktches: — 
JAMES C. WILSON, 

The first Commissioner of the Texas Court of Chvims, was born on the 21st of 
August, 1S18, near Halifax, Yorkshire, England, where he was educated. He emi- 
grated to Texas in his eighteenth yeai", to participate in our glorious struggle for 
independence. In 1838, his brother died in Galveston. In 1839, he went to Brazoria, 
where he began the study of law. To support himself during the period of his 
studies, he was compelled to teach school. Cut even the study of the law was not 
sufficient to quell his roving disposition; for at the first ery of "Indians!" young 
Wilson was ever foremost to seize his rifle and mount his horse and rush to tho 
scene of savage outrage. Ilis love of adventure induced him in 1842 to join the Mier 
Expedition. He was taken prisoner; and, when urged by the British consul and 
other influential Englishmen to claim the protection of the British flag, he proudly 
refused, exclaiming, " I am an American citizen, and as such will live or die." 
After enduring all the horrors attendant on the life of a Mexican prisoner, he finally 
escaped, on the 31st of July, 1843, with Samuel H. Walker. After innumera- 
ble hairbreadth escapes and severe pi'ivations, he succeeded in reaching New Or- 
leans, when he immediately returned to Texas. In 1843, he edited the Brazos 
Planter, and continued to do so till 1845, and was among the first to lead oflf 
in the advocacy of annexation. Several articles written by him in 1844, on that 
subject, were copied into the Washington Union and other leading Democratic papers 
in the United States. In 1844, he was elected County Clerk of Brazoria county, 
the records of which office bear ample evidence of his talent and industry. In 
1844, he took out a license to practise law. 

In 1849, he was elected member of the Legislature from Wharton, Matagorda, 
Jackson and Callioun, served a regular session and two stormy extra sessions, 
and took a leading part in the discussion of the Santa Fe question, also on the 
question of quieting land-titles, and on every other question of public interest. In 
1851, he was elected to the Senate from the counties of Matagorda, Wharton, 
Colorado, Jackson, Calhoun and Victoria, &c., and served through the regular and 
extra session. 

On the 7th of August, 1856, he was elected Commissioner of Claims by the joint 
vote of the Legislature, there being only two votes against him. He resigned his 
office on the 31st of May, 1857, and is now settled on his farm in Gonzales county 
practising law in the Superior Courts. 

Throughout his career, and in all positions, Col. AVilson has been an inflexible 
Democrat. He is a man of honor, and, as a lawyer, orator and statesman, has dis- 
phiyed talents and abilities of the first order. A scholar without assumption, a poli- 
tician without displaj', a gentleman without effort, he combines the three elements 
of political success, — genius, enthusiasm and faith. 



128 CAPTAIN GEORGE B. ERATH. 

CAPTAIN GEORGE B. ERATH 

Was born at Vienna, in Austria, on the 1st day of Jauuar.y, 1813, and was edu- 
cated at the Polytechnic Institute, but emigrated to the United States in 1832. 
He landed in New Orleans, July, 1832, from whence, after travelling through several 
of the Western States, he made his way to Texas early in 1833, with his finances in 
a very reduced condition. But he was determined to see the country ; and, to be able 
to do so, he purchased a Spanish mare for eight dollars and a rope for fifty 
cents. He then started, without either saddle or bridle, for San Felipe ; there, 
having earned five dollars, he provided himself with those articles. He pursued his 
journey to the Colorado, and then returned to the mouth of the river Brazos, 
when, finding that both his mare and his money had given out, he turned in to 
work for John W. Porter — who was then engaged in the manufacture of salt — at 
the low wages of fifteen dollars per month. Mr. Porter moving up to Washing- 
ton county in the fall of that year, he was accompanied by Mr. Erath. During 
the winter of that year he went up to what is now Burleson county, where at that 
time there were but three or four families settled, and made corn that year. 
In the fall of 1834, surveying having commenced in Robertson county, we find 
him engaged as a chain-carrier with Alexander Thompson, who is yet living on 
the edge of String Prairie, Burleson county. Being found capable, industrious, 
and zealous for the interest of his employers, he was soon promoted to the 
station of a compass-bearer. He continued with Thompson, engaged part of the 
time in surveying, the balance in assisting on his farm, until July, 1835, when 
the war broke out with the Indians. Fond of excitement, he entered with .Tohn W. 
Moore as a high private and accompanied him to the head of the Trinity River. 
While with- Captain Burnet on one of his operations against the Indians, riding 
an unbroken horse, much against his inclination, his horse ran away with him, and 
he soon found himself in the middle of where it was supposed the Indians 
had encamped ; but, luckily for him, the red-skins had themselves become alarmed 
at the proximity of their white brethren, and had seen fit to retreat. His com- 
panions, not exactly understanding the cause of this feat, and always delighting in 
any thing that savored of courage, immediately promoted him ; and, although this 
step was not a very great one, it proved plainly the correctness of Shakspeare's 
words when he wrote the famous lines, " There is a tide in the afiairs of men," &c. 
On his return from the Indian campaigns, he went out with Thomas A. Graves 
on a surveying-expedition on the head of the San Gabriel, when the major 
part of the company were attacked by the Indians and one of the men killed. 
Captain Erath, being then at woi-k, received no injury. The men were scattered : 
still, they scouted around, in hopes of meeting the Indians in a fair fight, but were 
disappointed. From that time forward he continued to join every seouting- 
party, which kept him constantly employed until spring, when we find him a mem- 
ber of Captain Billingsly's company at San Jacinto. This brave old captain, who 
as done his country some service, (and we hope the next Legislature will re- 



CAPTAIN GI5ORGE B. ERATH. 129 

member bis services and name one of our frontier counties after bim,) is now living 
as a fanner on Cedar Creek, in Bastrop county, and no doubt bas a vivid 
recollection of the services of Mr. Erath. Tbc battle of San Jacinto having 
settled the destiny of Texas, and she having now taken her place among the 
nations of the earth, and having no other enemies to contend against, Mr. Erath 
returned to the frontier and joined Captain Hill's company of rangers, as sergeant 
of the spy-company, whore he rendered important service. After this company 
was disbanded he joined Captain Barron's company of rangers as orderly sergeant. 
This company was very efficient. Early in 1837 he was promoted to the post 
of second lieutenant, in command of thirteen men. On the evening of the 7th of 
January, 1837, while out on a scout on Elm Creek, he surprised and attacked one 
hundred Indians ; and, although unsiTccessful, be succeeded with his men in making 

handsome retreat. He continued with the rangers during the summer; and, as 

life in camp did not suit bis ardent temperament, he was constantly engaged on 
scouting-parties. 

In the fall of 1837, in companj' with 66 men under command of Captain East- 
land, he went as far up the country as the head of the Clear Fork of the Brazos, 
wbicB was at least three hundred miles above any of the settlements. In 1838, 
the Land-Office having opened, be formed a company of surveyors; but, as the 
Indians were very annoying, they were compelled to do more soldiering than 
surveying, which of course rendered the expedition profitless to those engaged 
in it. 

In March, 1839, another ranging-company was formed, and Mr. Erath was 
elected captain. From this time until be took command of the minute-men 
in 1841, be was actively engaged in checking the inroads of the Indians, ex- 
cept during short periods when he was engaged in surveying-expeditions, 
which was absolutely necessary to enable bim to raise funds by bis business 
to pay off the debts contracted while engaged in his military vocation, and to 
provide himself with the necessary outfit for the next military campaign. Nor 
was he alone; since many of his men were compelled to follow his example. 
This suited them well, as the surveying-parties were generally of a semi-military 
character. Their pay while acting as rangers was indeed small, — too small to bo 
of any value to them, as they wero paid in depreciated Texas Treasury notes, worth 
about ten cents on the dollar; and, had it not been for the excitement attendant 
on military life and the essential service they were rendering to the country of 
their adoption, few, very few, would have ever joined these ill-paid and worse-pro- 
visioned companies; for it is a well-known fact that they subsisted for months on 
what game they could kill, being perfectly satisfied if Government could fur- 
nish them with salt and coffee, and the bottoms with Chili peppers. In 1842, all 
the troops having been discharged, and no surveying going forward, be went to 
farming until the fall of that year, when, impelled by a roving disposition, he joined 
the celebrated Mier Expedition. On bis return home, bis friends, appreciating bis 
many good tjualitics and sterling talents, elected him 10 Congress in 1843, when, 

6* 



130 LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 

proving himself a very efBcient member, he was re-elected to Congress in 1844 
and 1845, and to the first Legislature in 1840. On the 28th December, 1845, at 
the town of Nashville, he was married to Miss Chalmers. 

After the adjournment of the Legislatiu'e he turned his attention once more to 
surveying, and has been in the business ever since; and, although he has endeavored 
to quit the profession, his extensive knowledge of the lines and corners of the 
old surveys in Milam district — having a very extraordinary memory and being a 
close observer — has interfered with his favorite scheme of devoting his attention 
to his farm, which is beautifully situated on the banks of the South Bosque, 
in McLennan county. So great is his reputation for honesty and a thorough 
knowledge of our landed system, that he is frequently made the sole arbitrator by 
parties in preference to going to law; and Judge R. E. B. Baylor, who presides 
over a district of country that Captain Erath has done the majority of the sur- 
veying in, has been heard to say that he would prefer to take the opinion of Capt. 
Erath to that of any lawyer in Texas on land-matters. Even now, when there 
is a cry of " Indians !" on the frontier, like the old war-horse at the sound of the 
trumpet, he will prick up his ears and be ready for a charge. All who know him 
esteem him for his noble heart and sterling integrity. He has recently been elected 
by an overwhelming majority as a Senator for his district. 



LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 

Barnard E. Bee, son of the Hon. Thomas Bee, of S. C, was boru at Charleston, 
August 23, 1788. Beyond this fact it is only as in connection with Texas that we 
can be supposed to be cognizant of his history. We have, it is true, heard of the 
part he took in the nullification-period of his State, and the confidence he enjoyed 
with the leaders of that party, James Hamilton, R. Y. Hayne and R. J. Turnbull, 
and the esteem he was held in by the gentlemen of the opposition, such men as Col. 
Dra3'ton, J. R. Poinsett and James L. Pettigrew. But this is not surprising when 
we remember the school in which this gentleman had been brought up. There is 
no State in the Confederacy that ranks above South Carolina in all that pertains 
to the courtesies of life. Mr. Bee had been educated for the Bar under Colonel 
Drayton, but, we learn, never practised; and it was during his retirement in 
Pendleton, South Carolina, after the battle of San Jacinto, and under the 
expectation of an overwhelming invasion of Texas for the rescue of Santa Anna, 
that he was induced to leave home and family. Mr. Bee left South Carolina in the 
summer of 1836, not knowing an individual in Texas, and merely taking with him 
two lettei's, one from R. Y. Hayne, and the other from Langdou Cheves, in order 
that, going among strangers, it might at least be known how he himself was esti- 
mated at home. On reaching Nashville, Tennessee, it was his good fortune to 
meet with two distinguished gentlemen of Texas, then on their route, Wm. H. 
Wharton and Dr. Branch T. Archer. With these gentlemen he went down the 
Mississippi to New Orleans, and there found a Tcxian vessel, commanded by 



LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 131 

Commodore Ilawk'ns, preparing for immediate departure. Finding there was delay 
from day to day, Mr. Boo inquired the cause, when Mr. Whartou at once said, "Tbo 
truth is, sir, Texas has no money, and New Orleans tliinks she has given enough. I 
have advanced all I can ; but the commodore says more is necessary." Mr. Beo 
inquired what amount would be required. Mr. Wharton replied, $500. That sum 
was immediatel}' given, and the vessel sailed the next day. After a tedious voyago 
of twelve days, the passengers (among whom was Mrs. AVharton, the accomplished 
wife of Wm. H. AVharton, so advantageously known throughout Texas) wero 
landed at Galveston. Mr. Bee, being under the care of old Texians, left himself 
to their guidance; and Velasco was soon reached, near which was the hospitable 
homo of Mr. and Mrs. Wharton, where he was at once domesticated. Mr. Beo 
was now introduced to Mr. Burnet, the President, who, in the absence of all tho 
paraphernalia of ofBce, and without a dollar of salary, was discharging the trying 
duties of his station with all the zeal of the officer and the simplicity of the pri- 
vate citizen. We have heard Mr. Beo say ho could never forget the frankness 
with which he was received, or the confidence which was at once reposed in him. 
Mr. Burnet had just lost a child, and remarked, "I have neither tho spirits nor 
capacity to offer strangers the hospitality of Velasco. I am overwhelmed with 
duties and afflicted with misrepresentations, i-cceiving support from scarcely any 
quarter." Mr. Beo, being now ready to leave for the army, and understanding ho 
was to pass near where General Santa Anna was under guard, obtained a permit 
from the President to visit him. This was not alone from a very natural curiosity, 
but from his having received the following message from Mr. Poinsett just as he was 
leaving Carolina: — "Say to Gen. Santa Anna that as an old acquaintance (Mr. P. 
had been in Mexico as Minister from the United States) I scarcelj' feel sympathy in 
his present misfortune ; for, as he chose to abandon liberty for despotism, he deserves 
his fate." Santa Anna with much grace replied, " Be kind enough to say to Mr. 
Poinsett it is very true that I threw up my cap for liberty with great ardor and 
with perfect sincerity', but very soon found the utter folly of it. Sir, for a century 
to come our people will not be fit for liberty : they do not know what it is. Un- 
enlightened as they are and under the influence of a Catholic clergy, a despotism 
is tho proper Government; but there is no reason why it should not be a wise and 
a virtuous one." The truth of this can scarcely be questioned, and it is applicable, 
we opine, to more countries than Mexico. Mr. Bee pursued his journey to tho army, 
swimming rivers (for there were no ferries) and beholding the most beautiful agri- 
cultural country imaginable. After crossing the Guadalupe and reaching tho 
Coleto, he found General Rusk, in the command of about five thousand men, 
young and ardent, and capable of the severest service. General Rusk's tent was 
at once thrown open to him, as was General Thomas J. Green's, who was second in 
command. Mr. Bee was unknown to the whole army ; but we have hoard him 
say he received the most unbounded attention from officers of every grade, as well 
as from the private soldiers. General Rusk was a most popular commander, but 
far too indulgent. To command a volunteer army with nothing to do, no enemy 



132 LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 

near, and usually without any of the comforts of life, is not an enviable posi- 
tion. There were constant rumors of the advance of the Mexicans, but with 
little reliance; and hence arose an ardent desire to go against them. " Matamoras !" 
was the constant cry. The President, Mr. Burnet, had repeatedly refused his consent, 
knowing the impossibility of doing so without money, wagons, or any of the 
material, but at length assented. Instantly the whole scheme was abandoned : 
its utter impracticability was at once seen. Mr. Bee had hardly arrived in camp 
when General Rusk, with marked attention, sent him a commission as aide-de- 
camp, which was accepted ; for, though feeling there was no chance of collision with 
the Mexicans, it at once put him at head-quarters, and there was no occurrence 
of moment, no question of interest, on which General Rusk did not advise with him. j 
Mr. Bee found General Felix Huston attached to this army; and, being an 
ardent, gallant ofiBcer, he was frequently sent out against Indians, and sometimes ; 
narrowly escaped with life. After remaining in camp until October, 1836, ; 
General Rusk ordered Mr. Bee and General F. Huston to examine the coast ' 
and ascertain proper sites for the erection of forts. The survey was made ; but, 
the enemy having no navy and Texas no money, forts were dispensed with. 
The Congress being about to assemble at Columbia, on the Brazos, General F. j 
Huston and Mr. Bee, under persuasion of General Rusk, proceeded to that spot. | 
Here Mr. Bee became acquainted with the leading men of the day and very many j 
of the settlers of the country, so that he soon felt as deep an interest in the country | 
as if he belonged to it. And never had an individual more cause : everywhere i 
caressed, he was cheered in his absence from his family and home. Soon after | 
his arrival in Columbia, he was invited by the President to a seat in his Cabinet, i 
Mr. Burnet at the same time stating that it was scarcely a compliment, for he had 
but a short time to serve, and was very unpopular, and that a gentleman so , 
recently come to that country had perhaps better avoid sharing his fortunes, but 
that there was pressing business in the Department, and he hoped Mr. Bee would 
accept. Consulting with General Felix Huston and others, Mr. Bee said if he 
could be of service he certainly would comply, and the Treasury Department, i 
and then the State, were under his direction. In the Treasury Department Mr. j 
Bee found land-script for the coming troops, waiting the signature of the 
Secretary : after some reflection, however, he came to the conclusion that the fur- 
ther offering of the virgin soil of Texas in the overstocked market of the United 
States was of all things to be avoided. The President fully agreeing with him, 
the system was put a stop to, and merely enough was issued to enable an officer 
to fulfil his contract in Kentucky, all the preliminaries having been entered into; 
nor do we believe the system was ever after resorted to, though as bounty to men 
enlisting it was still the practice. Mr. Burnet's administration was now drawing 
to a close, and General Sam Houston's about to commence. Mr. Bee met this 
gentleman for the first time, and was introduced to him at night. General Hous- ; 
ton, judging from his name (Bee's) that he was an ofiicer he had formerly known | 
in the army of the United States, — Captain Wm- Bee, of the Sth Infantry, and a j 



LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 133 

groat favorite of General Jackson, — at once receivetl liim with bis usual cmprcsse- 
ment; but Mr. Bee, perceiving his mistake, inforraeil him who he was, and that 
he had a letter from Mr. Langdon Cheves introducing him, which was afterward 
presented, and Mr. Bee was treated with particular attention. The Congress was now 
discussing the propriety of unfettering General Santa Anna and Col. Almonte, 
who had been ordered in irons by General Rusk, as commander of the army, 
in consequence of a supposed attempt at rescue, and, having decided to do so, 
rec|uested General Austin and Mr. Bee to ride out and have them attended to. In 
fuUilling this duty, these gentlemen had the irons removed before their interview 
with Santa Anna, lie was no doubt sensible of their delicacy, but on their intro- 
duction never alluded in any way to his confinement or uttered a complaint. Santa 
Anna always maintained that if a rescue was intended he was utterly ignorant 
of it. One hundred thousand dollars, it was said, had been offered by his Govern- 
ment. Santa Anna at once entered into an animated conversation with General 
Austin upon all that had passed since they had parted in Mexico, and charged 
General Austin with not having carried out his promise of putting down the 
revolution in Texas upon his return. General Austin admitted the charge, but ob- 
served it was impossible : tlie die had been cast, independence had been declared, 
and all that was left for him was to unite with his fellow-citizens. Santa Anna 
seemed to think this reasoning conclusive, and, changing the subject, entered into 
a very general conversation, appearing perfectly delighted to have such a man to 
converse with, and in his own hmguage, — for General Austin was an accomplished 
Spanish scholar. Santa Anna while a prisoner was on the whole well treated : 
the necessaries if not the luxuries of life were furnished ; and Captain Fatten, the 
commander of his guard, had it in his power to suppl}' him with many comforts from 
his father's plantation, not far distant, while Dr. Plielps, at whose plantation he was 
located, paid him every attention. Nor ought it to be omitted tliat Colonel Christy 
of New Orleans, whose philanthropy is well known, on a visit to Santa Anna, 
accompanied by General Houston and Mr. Bee, thought the .«tylo of living was 
not exactly that of a President-General, and at once proposed that more of the 
luxuries of life should be provided, which was done, and, we rather think, pretty 
much at Colonel Christy's expense. 

A committee of the House of Representatives now waited on Mr. Bee, with a 
view of ascertaining whether General James Hamilton, of South Carolina, would 
' be likely to accept the command of the Texian army if proffered him. Mr. Beo 
replied that, from Gen. II.'s largo family, and his multiplied vocations at home, ho 
thought it extremely doubtful, except, indeed, there was a certainty of an inva- 
sion of the country. The committee, however, seemed to think otherwise, and 
the next we hear of it is his appointment. General Hamilton, we understand, 
wrote a letter in reply, expressive of his sense of the high compliment offered him, 
but declining the honor. We were about to say hence the lively interest Gen. II. 
has over evinced toward Texas; but from her earliest difficulties all his sympathies 
were enlisted in her favor ; nor did they cease till he saw her take her stand as an in- 



134 LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 

dependent Government, nor was any one more active in bringing her into the Con- 
federacy, fearing, with Mr. Calhoun, that she was too weali to stand alone. The next 
point of interest before the Congress of 1836 was. the disposal of Santa Anna. 
The futility of keeping him a prisoner was abundantly apparent ; but his being 
sent to Vera Cruz entrammelled did not seem to meet the views of Congress ; and 
it was then suggested that if sent to AVashington, in the United States, and if 
when there, in the presence of Gen. Jackson and his Cabinet, he would renew his 
promises entered into with Texas, confidence would be the result. This idea 
prevailing. General Austin and Mr. Bee had frequent interviews with him 
which were reported to Congress ; and the result was that General Houston and 
his Cabinet were avithorized by the Senate to make the necessary arrangements, and 
that on Santa Anna's complying at Washington the Government of the United 
States should be requested to allow a vessel-of-war to take him to Vera Cruz. It 
is due to history and to truth to say, that, while Santa Anna willingly complied, 
he at the same time said, "You have kept me too long : the Presidency will have 
passed into other hands, and on my return I shall have to retire to my hacienda, 
shorn of all power, and incapable, however desirous, of carrying out my pledges.' 
The step was taken, however, and General Houston requested Colonel Hockley and 
Captain Patton, of the army, and Mr. Bee, to accompany Santa Anna and Colonel 
Almonte to Washington. The Treasury being empty, Mr. Bee drew upon Gene- 
ral Hamilton at Charleston for two thousand dollars, and General Santa Anna 
upon the house of the Lizardi, at Vera Cruz, for one thousand dollars, saying, at 
the same time, " I have not a dollar in their hands ; but they will scarcely refuse it." 
The route by land was determined on ; and, the best horses that were to be had 
being procured, they departed early in December, 1836, from Colonel Christy's 
plantation on the Brazos, and, following the coast of Texas eastwardly, crossing 
the Trinity and Sabine, found themselves in Opelousas, Louisiana. They thenco 
made their way down to Plaquemiue, on the Mississippi. Here they hesitated 
whether they should take the New Orleans and Charleston route (as they ought) or 
ascend the Mississippi and go to Cincinnati. A fine steamer, making her appear- 
ance for the AVest, decided the day ; and Natchez was soon passed. On arriving at 
Louisville, Kentucky, the masses of ice were gathering so fast as to defy naviga- 
tion, and stages were taken to Lexington, Kentucky. On reaching here, Santa 
Anna became ill from the severity of the weather, so unlike his Paradise, Mexico; 
so they were detained a week, receiving every attention from the inhabitants, and 
very many of the members of the Kentucky Legislature coming over from Frankfort 

to call on Santa Anna. Dr. , a distinguished physician of Lexington, decided 

that General Santa Anna must not travel at night; so that maU-stages had to bo 
given up and post-coaches obtained to AVheeling. This enhanced expenses ; and 
the Lexington Bank took a draft of Mr. Bee's for $500, which was the amount 
charged for taking the party from Lexington to Wheeling, two coaches, four fine 
horses in each, and excellent drivers. 

In passing Fredericksburg, a court-martial was sitting on General Scott for 



LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 135 

bis onmpaign in Florida. On learning,' that Santa Anna was there, General fiaincs 
called, and requested he should bo introduced. He was so, and also General Scott. 
On Mr. Bee's inquiring what impression they had made, Santa Anna replied, ''Like 
myself, they are passe," — little foreseeing that they should years afterward be in 
deadly conflict and that General Scott should be successful over him in every engage- 
ment. Jlr. Bee now proceeded in advance to Wa.shington, and through Mr. Wharton, 
the Texian Minister, procured an interview that night with General Jackson, who, 
receiving Mr. Bee in his chamber, assured him that every facility should be 
granted, and he hoped that the return of Santa Anna would produce peace to 
Texas. The party arrived next morning ; and, ample accommodations having been 
procured, Santa Anna was waited upon by many of the members of Congress 
and the citizens of Washington. Steps were now taken to bring him before the 
President and Cabinet; and Mr. Forsyth speaking Spanish, and Colonel Almonte 
interpreting with wonderful quickness, a very full conversation was entered into, 
which resulted in all the preliminaries for his immediate departure for Vera Cruz. 
Meeting Mr. Woodbury a few nights afterward, he informed Mr. Bee that Captain 
Tatnall, of the navy, was ready; and although Santa Anna was to have dined the 
next day with the President, (all the foreign Ministers were invited,) so anxious 
was he that he started at nine o'clock for Baltimore, under the care of Captain 
Tatnall. On his arrival at Vera Cruz ho was coldly received ; but, inviting 
Captain Tatnall and his officers to dinner the next day, he left for his residence, 
fifteen miles from Vera Cruz. 

As to Mr. Bee, on his return to Washington he received a letter from Mr. Grayson, 
of Virginia, saying that General Houston requested his acceptance of the War 
Department. In his interview with General Houston, he said he would take 
it with pleasure, on one condition, — that he was to be sole master of the Depart- 
ment; that it would be his duty, as it would be his pleasure, to consult him (as 
ho knew infinitely more of the people and the country than he could possibly do) 
upon all important points, and would be ready at any moment to advise with him. 
By the Constitution of Texas, a member of the Cabinet could not be removed at 
pleasure if he differed in views with the President. General Houston assured him 
that it would be perfectly agreeable to him, — that he could desire nothing more; and 
Bee at onco entered upon his duties. General Houston extended to him the most 
courteous civilities, — sometimes, as we have learned, saying to General Rusk he was 
too independent. Mr. Bee found the War-OlTice in much confusion, the chief business 
of the country passing through it: this being a moment of tranquillity, and 
the first for years, every man had a claim for military service ; and what man in 
Texas had not rushed to the Department to record his claims or to procure his land- 
warrant? Mr. Bee, with little previous experience in business, devoted alibis energies 
to his duties and to procuring excellent clerks, and with an experienced head cleric 
(Mr. Mason) established strict ortlcr, and never allowed unnecessary delay. A distin- 
guishing feature of this gentlemen was his total absence of all pretension for mere 
oEce: it was not made for the individual, but for the public, he would be heard to 



136 LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 

say; and, although ofiBce-hours are essential, yet they are to yield to the wants of the 
community. Hence Mr. Bee was at all times ready to sacrifice his convenience 
to the accommodation of the citizen, or his countrymen who had come a long 
journey, and at heavy expense, to secure hard-earned rights. When we add 
to this the consideration and the justice with which he treated every man, we 
are at no loss to estimate the popularity he enjoyed in Texas. Go where he would, 
everybody knew him and had experienced his kindness. The young men in his 
office were devoted to him, and were willing to sit up till midnight rather than 
not have their papers ready. The returns of every company which had been mus- 
tered into service were filed in the War-Office. To turn to this file to discover a par- 
ticular individual was tedious. Mr. Bee therefore ordered to be made out neatly in 
a bound book an alphabetical list of every man that had enlisted. This not only 
facilitated the business of his office, but enabled him to ascertain what number : 
had enlisted, and what amount of land they were entitled to. There is a feature of 
Colonel Bee's character connected with this subject that ought not to be over- 
looked. Almost every foreign soldier (and we include the United States in this term) 
would, when receiving his bounty-land, bring it to the Secretary of War, and say, | 
" Sir, we are about returning to the United States, or Europe :" (for we had English, I 
Germans, French and Spanish in our ranks :) " we have no means, and shall be obliged 
to sacrifice our land-script. We had rather that you should purchase. You know j 
the title is good; you know you will be remunerated; and yet we shall not expect | 
you to give more than it is hawking for about the town." Mr. Bee, we under- i 
stand, in no instance ever bought one. It may be said that Mr. Bee was not a man of 
fortune : very true ; but he might have procured funds and purchased every poor 
soldier's claim at his own price. Another feature in the character of this gentle- 
man we deem worthy of notice, because it is not an every-day quality :— indomitable 
firmness in the discharge of his duty, totally regardless of what the world calls 
popularity. As an evidence : after the issue of the first million for the convenience 
of the Civil Department of Government, and when that issue was holding its own 
n New Orleans, (on which we were dependent for every thing but the cattle and 
deer of our prairies,) the army became clamorous for the issue of another million, | 
and, finding that Congress would grant it if the Cabinet would recommend it, drew I 
up a petition accordingly. It was brought at last to the War Department, the officers 
saying it was impossible the natural guardian of the army could hesitate. Mr. Bee, 
we have learned, distinctly said it was out of the question for him to sign it. He 
assured them he could have no desire to oppose their views, but that it would do 
them no good ; that a second issue would break down the whole system ; that it 
was founded alone on our lands ; that our land-script already surfeited the markets 
of the United States ; and that they might rely upon it that in one month after the 
issue it would take a wheelbarrow-full to pay for a breakfast. This gave 
much oifence : but the Congress made the issue. Ilis objection passed for nothing 
until time made it true. What a world of trouble would have been saved had his 
advice been taken ! We should then have heard nothing of repudiation and scaling. 



LIFE OF BARNARD E. BEE. 137 

Every man Avho had advanced to the country his sterlinjj dollar would have hccn 
; paid with interest and with irratitude. Mr. Bee, upon General Houston's refusing 
I to appoint General Hamilton Land-Commissioner, informed him that from per- 
- sonal feeling, if he persisted, he would bo obliged to withdraw from his Cabinet. 
, General Houston hoped not; but, General Hamilton's name not being sent to the 
I Senate, Mr. Bee withdrew. 

This gentleman now made Velasco his home, enjoying the delightful sea-breeze, 
until. General Lamar coming into the Presidency, Mr. Bee was invited to a seat in 
; his Cabinet as Secretary of State. Ho filled this post but a short time, however. 
I It being advisable, as Santa Anna was at the head of affairs iu Mexico, to give 
him an opportunity of redeeming his pledges, Mr. Bee was selected, on account of 
the personal intercourse he had had with him. Mr. Bee immediately left for New 
Orleans, and, finding no vessel for Vera Cruz, (the Texian war had interrupted all 

intercourse,) wont to, Pensacola to confer with his friend. Commander . From 

him he learned that the Woodbury, Captain Nicholson, of the United States Navy, 
was soon to take her departure. Availing himself of this opportunity, and receiving 
every attention from Captain N. and his officers, Mr. Bee sailed for Vera Cruz. On 
i arriving, Captain N. suggested his landing ; and, ascertaining the feeling of the peo- 
ple, he promptly returned, and advised Mr. Bee not to attempt to go ashore, that 
great excitement had been evinced upon learning that a Texas agent was on board, 
that his life would not be safe, and with the utmost anxiety entreated Mr. Beo 
to return with him to the United States. The Woodbury was to sail the next 
morning. Mr. Bee expressed his thanks for the solicitude evinced, but said his 
commission must bo executed. Thei-e being not a vessel in port which he could 
: resort to, Mr. Beo asked the disposal of a bo.at, and wrote a commuuication 
. to the garrison of Vera Cruz, stating the object of his mission, and that if 
not permitted to land he would be perfectly willing to be a prisoner in the castle 
until he could send an express to the city of Mexico. He then wrote to the com- 
mander of the French fleet at Sacrificios, (Mr. Bee had no letters of introduction 
to him.) stating that he would have to throw himself ou his hospitality. The com- 
mander of the French fleet immediately sent twelve men, under the command of 
an officer, ofl'ering Mr. Bee his cabin until some arrangement should be made. 
I The Woodburj' sailed the next day, and Mr. Bee was most hospitably received on 
' board the La Gloire, a superb sixty-gun ship. The Governor of Vera Cruz, the 
I distinguished General Victoria, now sent a communication saying, that, as Mr. Beo 
was willing to be a prisoner in the castle, there could be no objection to his lauding (as 
Vera Cruz was a fortified city) on his parole until the Government should be heard 
I from. A norther now coming up, Mr. Bee was detained some days on board the 
, La Gloire: on its subsiding, the commander insisted upon accompanying him and 
: introducing him to General Victoria. The general at once assured him that ho 
would be as safe in Vera Cruz as at New Orleans, and that all the courtesies of 
' society should bo extended to him. Mr. Bee accordingly took up his residence at 
the American Hotel, opposite the Governor's house, and remained about ten days. 



138 LIFE OF ANSON JONES, M.D. 

receiving much attention. His commnnications were now answered, Col. Almonte 
writing for President Santa Anna, stating that nothing would give him more 
pleasure than to see Mr. Bee, hut that he was only temporarily in power, and he 
feared it could not he done, (or words to that eflfect,) and that he would advise Mr. 
Bee's prompt return to Texas. Not wishing to be an intruder, and there being no 
vessel in the harbor, Mr. Bee had again to avail himself of the hospitality of the 
French commander, who received him with great courtesy, (as did every officer on 
board,) and after a few days sent him to Havana on board a French steamer, 

Captain . On arriving there, Mr. Bee was waited upon by Admiral Baudine in | 

all form, full of thanks for the attention shown him and his officers in Texas. Re- | 
maining but a few days, Mr. Bee sailed in a steamer for New Orleans, where, after 
a tedious trip, (from calms,) he arrived, and forwarded the result of his mission to 
the Government. Much disappointment was expressed, as hopes had been enter- 
tained that Santa Anna would have been glad to get rid of Texas. Others, ■ 
however, had drawn different conclusions. In the winter of this year, ('39 or '40,) , 
while Mr. Bee was on his way to Austin, he was informed General Lamar had sent i 
his name into the Senate as Charge to the United States. This unlooked-for compli- 
ment was gratefully accepted, and Mr. Bee arrived at Washington at the meeting 
of Congress in December, and was in due form presented by Mr. Forsyth, Secre- 
tary of State, to Mr. Van Buren, President of the United States. Mr. Bee, we have 
heard, conducted himself with marked propriety, avoiding all ostentation and 
expense, as not being congenial either with the iinances of his country or his own. 
Mr. Webster had agreed to arrange a treaty with him, but was prevented by 
severe indisposition and by General Ilamilton's writing from England asking 
delay, as he had more important items, essential to the interests of Texas, and 
suggesting that Mr. Bee should meet him at Austin, that they might meet in 
Cabinet council. Mr. Bee left Washington, (leaving Mr. Amory, Secretary of Le- 
gation, in charge,) for General Lamar's administration had now expired, and, a new 
one commencing, Mr. Bee was recalled before these measures could be carried out. 
We next hear of him at San Antonio, tendering his services to General Somervell, 
the whole country having been roused by the sudden irruption of General Well 
into that jplace. 

— -»^3 j--S<^€+>" — 

LIFE OF ANSON JONES, M.D. 

Dr. Axson Jones derived his ancestry on the paternal side from Col. Sir 
John Jones, who was born in Anglesea, North Wales, in the year 1580. He was 
married in 1623 to Catharine Ilenrietta, daughter of the Hon. Robert Cromwell, 
and second sister of Oliver Cromwell, Lord-Protector of England, and was one of the 
judges of Charles I. in 1618, a member of Oliver's House of Lords in 1653, Lord- 
Lieutenant of Ireland, &c. On the restoration of Charles II. he was put to death, 
October 17th, 1660, aged eighty years. His sou, William Jones, was born in 1624. 
He came to America and settled at New Haven the same year that his father was 



LIFE OF ANSON JONES, M.D. 139 

executed. He married Anna, youngest daughter of Governor Thcophilus Eaton, 

and was Governor of the Colonies of Connecticut and New Uaven from 1083 to 

1 169S. Solomon Jones, the father of Anson Jones, was the fourth in directdoscont 

I from Governor William Jones. lie was born in Hartford co., Connecticut, in the 

I year 175.3. In 1779 he married Sarah Strong, daughter of Timothy Strong, of 

East Windsor, in the same county. They removed to Berkshire co., Massachusetts, 

where they died, — she in 1816, he in 1822. He, with his four brothers, served in 

the army during greater part of the Revolutionary War. He was at Bunker 

] Hill and Saratoga. Ho volunteered again in 1S12 in the Silver Greys. 

The common ancestor (on the maternal side) was Jacob Strong. The family 
emigrated from England nearly cotemporaneously with the settlement of Ply- 
mouth, and were among the early " Pilgrims" of Massachusetts. They settled at 
Cambridge, near Boston, (then called Newton.) From thence they removed in 
1635-36 to Windsor, Connecticut, where their descendant Sarah was born in 1758. 
Anson Jones, ninth child and third son of Solomon Jones and Sarah Strong, 
was born at Great Barrington, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, January 20th, 
1798, of poor but respectable parents. He received his education principally at 
Lenox Academy, in that county, where he finished his scholastic studies in 1815. 
: In 1817, he commenced the study of medicine, at Litchfield, Connecticut, which 
he subsequently pursued at Utica, N.Y., where he was licensed to practise in 
1820. He settled first in Chenango county, but in 1823 he removed to Philadel- 
phia, where he remained until the dose of 1832, with the exception of two years 
spent in South America. In 1827, shortly after his return from abroad, he re- 
' coived the degree of M.D. from Jefferson Medical College. 

In October, 1833, Dr. Jones emigrated to Texas and settled at Brazoria. In 
1835, he drew up, offered, advocated and procured to bo adopted, at a mass meet- 
ing of the citizens of that municipalit3', the first resolutions in favor of indepen- 
dence and a total separation of Texas from Mexico, for calling a convention of all 
Texas for that purpose, and for framing a Constitution. In March, 1836, on the 
fall of the Alamo and the massacre of Fannin, he joined the army (on the Colo- 
rado) as a private, and remained connected with it, in the ditfercnt capacities of 
private soldier, judge-advocate, surgeon and medical purveyor, for more than 
one year, in each of which lie acquitted himself honorably and skilfully. He par- 
ticipated in the battle of San Jacinto, on the 20th and 21st of April, 1836, and gene- 
rously and nobly volunteered his services in subsequent campaigns whenever oppor- 
■ tunity offered. In 1837, he was elected Representative in Congress from Brazoria 
1 county. His first act in a civil capacity was to destroy that celebrated monopoly, 
"The Texas Railroad, Navigation and Banking Companj'," in which nearly all 
I the leading men in Texas were interested. In April, 1838, he offered, advocated 
, and procured to be passed, by the House of Representatives, resolutions with- 
I drawing the proposition of annexation then pending (but refused) before the 
Govoruiucut of the Uuited States, with a view of calming excitement, and of 
. renewing it again under different and more favorable circumstances, which ho 



140 LIFE OF ANSON JONES, M.D. 

subsequently did successfully. In June, 1838, he was appointed Minister- Plenipo- 
tentiary to the United States. Being recalled in the summer of 1839, he was 
elected Senator in Congress from Brazoria, in place of Col. Wm. H. Wharton, 
deceased. In 1840, he was elected President of the Senate, and (the President, 
General Lamar, having received leave of absence fi-om the Republic) he became 
ex-officio Vice-President. In 184:1, he was appointed Secretary of State, which 
cflSce he filled for three years. In September, 1844, he was elected President of the 
Republic. He is a Democrat, as all his forefathers were. Dr. Jones never sought 
office or publicity, and never shrunk from doing his whole duty when called to 
posts of difficulty or danger. Nobly, faithfully and fearlessly he undertook and 
carried through the various enterprises in which his active mind engaged and which 
his sound judgment approved. His principal achievement as a statesman was 
placing before the people of Texas, in 1845, a choice between the alternatives o. 
annexation and independence. He was a devoted friend of the first, but be- 
lieved that in order to obtain the one it was necessary to achieve the other, 
either by arms or diplomacy. Since the 19th of February, 1846, when he pro- 
nounced that "the Republic of Texas is no more !" he has been of choice in pri- 
vate life a farmer, (with the reputation of being a good one.) He is now a cripple, 
having nearly lost the use of one hand and arm from an injury received in 1849 
by riding a vicious horse. 

Thus the lofty and aspiring mind of a great and talented man seeks repose 
from the tumults of life, from the din of battle, the strife of party spirit and the 
emoluments of office. Quietly he retires, exchanging the exciting field of public 
life for the plough and the harrow ; and his eye now wanders over the products of 
his grounds and his farm-yard with as sincere a satisfaction as when upon the 
field of glory or while filling the high seat of public office. 

This is a beautiful lesson to the over-ambitious man : let him contemplate it, and 
receive the benefit it is calculated to impart ; let him so run the race which is be- 
fore him, that, at its close, he too may bo able to retire, with a mind and heart 
at rest with himself and all the world, to the repose and quietude of a private life, 
and be content therewith. 

Dr. Jones, with four others, established Masonry in Texas, in 1835. He was the 
first master of the first Lodge for upwards of two years, and in December, 1837, was, 
upon the formation of the Grand Lodge, chosen Grand Master of the State. Ho 
is now G. R. of the Grand Lodge of the State of N. Y. to the Grand Lodge of Texas. 

He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, and held the 
office of Grand Master of the State of Pennsylvania in that Society in 1832. 
He is still actively connected with this useful and benevolent institution as District 
Deputy Grand Master of the district in which he resides. 

He is actively connected with various literary and religious institutions, and 
is an able advocate of the cause of Common Schools and the policy of PiAilroads. 

He married. May 17th, 1840, Mrs. Mary McCrory, at Austin, and has four chil- 
dren, — three sons and one daughter. On the 2Qth of January, 1857, he was fifty- 
nine years of age. 



PRESIDENT JONES' VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 141 

Since tho early age of twelve years, Dr. Anson Jones has sustained himself by 
his own upright and untii-ing exertions, without ever receiving the slightest pecu- 
niary aid from any other source. Here we see the evidence of what energetic, 
WL-ll-dircctod effort can accomplish, when governed and controlled by a great and 
sound mind united with the most indomitable courage and perseverance. Hero 
we see tho boy, yet in the tender years of childhood, stepping forth, in the guile- 
lessness and purity of his young heart, into the broad arena of life. He walks not 
with a faltering step; but, as if conscious of what is before him, he treads firmly 
and steadily with his young feet the path into which circumstances have led him. 
Ilis young soul seems to have "put on" manhood; and, as his mind expands pre- 
maturely, from tho unwonted demand upon his energies, thoughts and feelings, 
and as j'ears roll slowly over his devoted head, ho looks with steady gaze into tho 
future which is stretched abroad over his life's horizon. With a determined heart, 
he resolves to win for himself, by his own laudable exertions, a name among the 
sons of men, to devote his energies to the welfare of his fellow-beings, the enlight- 
enment of his race and the glory of his' beloved country. Behold him, as ho 
advances toward manhood, carrying steadily into practice those principles which 
his young heart matured. Behold him, as he occupies the various stations which 
he honors in filling, how he commands the respect, the admiration, of all his fel- 
lows. Ye youth of our land, no longer sit with folded hands, when so bright 
an example of what industry and perseverance in noble and lofty purposes can effect 
stands before you. Arouse your energies, gird on the helmet of determination and 
the breast-plate of faith and hope, and achieve the victories which stand beckon- 
ing you to the contest. Wage warfare with the evil in your own hearts, with the 
evils in society around you, with whatever evils may exist in the land of your 
heart's adoption. AYeep not that the " Lone Star" has fallen from its height in 
the nations' firmament and become a mere part of a gi'cat republic ; mourn 
not, when such indefatigable energy and iiulouiitable perseverance live in your 
midst as his whoso life we have just contemplated. Arise in your strength, and 
declare that the "Lone Star," from the materials within itself, shall yet become a 
planet of greater magnitude and of more enduring brightness, shall yet shine with 
redoubled splendor in the galaxy of the nation. 

The following address, apart from its literary merit, will always be read with 
interest, as it was the last otficial act of tho President of the Republic previous to 
her being admitted into the Union : — 

PRESIDENT JONES' VALEDICTORY ADDRESS, 

Delivered at the Capitol, in the City of Austin, February 19, 1846. 

Qe\tlemk\ of the Senate and of the House of Representatives : — 

The groat measure of annexation, so earnestly desired by the people of Texas, 
is happilj- consummated. The present occasion, so full of interest to us and to all 
the people of this country, is an earnest of that consummation; and I am happy 
to greet you, as their chosen representatives, and tender to you my cordial congratu- 



142 PRESIDENT JONES' VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 

lations on an event the most extraordinary in the annals of the world, and one 
•which marks a bright triumph in the history of republican institutions. A go- 
vernment is changed — both in its officers and its organic law^not by violence and 
disorder, but by the deliberate and free consent of citizens; and, amid the most 
perfect and universal peace and tranquillity, the -sovereignty of the nation is sur- 
rendered, and incorporated with that of another. 

There is no precedent for this ; and henceforward " Annexation" is a word of 
new import in the political vocabulary of America, to form a subject for the specu- 
lations of the statesman and the intellectual labors of the sage. Nations have 
generally extended their dominions by conquest, their march to power involving 
bloodshed and ruin, and their attainment of it often followed by suffering and 
calamity to a despairing and subjugated people. It was left for the Anglo-Ame- 
rican inhabitants of the Western continent to furnish a new mode of enlarging 
the bounds of empire, by the more natural tendency and operation of the princi- 
ples of their free government. Whatever objections may have been heretofore 
urged to the territorial enlargement of the Union, those objections must now be 
regarded as overruled and as being without practical eifect. Annexation is the 
natural consequence resulting from congenial impulses and sympathies ; and the 
operation and influence of like sympathies and impulses are destined, as soon as 
important or necessary, to settle all conflicts in relation to the claim of the United 
States to any territory now in dispute on this continent. 

In accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution adopted in the Con- 
vention called by me on the 4th of July last, a State government is now perfectly 
and fully organized ; and I, as President of the Republic, with my officers, am now 
present, to surrender into the hands of those whom the people have chosen the 
power and the authority which we have sometime held. This surrender is made 
with the most perfect cheerfulness, and in respectful submission to the public 
will. For my individual part, I beg leave further to add that the only motive 
which has heretofore actuated me in consenting to hold high and responsible office 
in this my adopted and beloved country has been to aid, by the best exertion o 
such abilities as I possessed, in extricating her from her difficulties, and to place 
her in some safe and secure condition, where she might be relieved from the long 
pressure of the past, and repose from the toils, the sufferings and threatened dan- 
gers which have surrounded her. I have considered annexation on favorable 
terms as the most secure and advantageous measure for Texas, and as affording 
the best prospect for the attainment of the object I had in view, and have accord- 
ingly, in different capacities, labored most assiduously to open the door in the 
United States to its accomplishment. In this I succeeded. I sincerely wish the 
terms could have been made more advantageous, more definite and less fraught 
with subjects of future dispute ; but, as they proved entirely acceptable to a vast 
majority of my fellow-citizens, I felt it to be my imperative duty, so soon as that 
fact was known, faithfully and promptly to carry into full cflect the will and the 
wishes of the people. This I have done; and in the execution of this work, I am 



PRESIDENT JONES' VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 143 

happy to add, I have received the cordial support and co-operation of every mem- 
ber of my Cabinet, and of every officer of the Government, at home and abroad, 
whose services I have had occasion to employ in connection with it. Annexation 
has met with no impediment in Texas, nor has any been attempted by the Govern- 
ment ; and I believe I am justified in saying that it has been accomplished in 
the very safest and best manner practicable, and at the very earliest possible pe- 
riod of time. I know of no course which could have been adopted which would 
have effected this object one single day earlier. In the mean time, I have obtained 
from Mexico a formal acknowledgement of our national independence, thereby 
removing the principal objection to the measure on the part of the United States. 

Satisfied that the happiness and welfare of Texas are placed on a strong and secure 
foundation, and that she will now find many friends better qualified than myself, 
who will take care of her interest, the motive to which I have alluded as having 
actuated me in holding office is no longer operativcj and in retiring now to private 
life I but indulge my individual wishes, and I lay down the honors and cares 
tlie Presidency with infinitely more of personal gratification than I assumed 
them. The confidence and the favors which the partiality of my fellow-citizens 
has bestowed upon me merit and receive my heartfelt thanks. Whatever injus- 
tice may have been done me in moments of excitement, I indulge the belief that, 
when correct information is disseminated in regard to my whole course, the public 
wind will settle down into proper conclusi ms, and that my fellow-citizens will then 
judge me rightly. At least, I have the approbation of my own conscience, — a re- 
ward in itself above all price — and repose upon the assured belief that history and 
posterity will do me no wrong. 

I am happy to congratulate you, gentlemen, upon the universally prosperous 
condition of our country at the present time. Our foreign relations have all been 
closed in a manner satisfactory. I believe, to all the Governments with which we 
have had intercourse. The frontier is quiet and secure, and the husbandman sows 
and reaps his fields, in peace. Industry and enterprise have received now guaran- 
tees and a new impulse; a market is found at home for nearly cveiy thing our 
citizens have to dispose of; and a large and very desirable immigration to the 
country is now taking place. The expenses of the Government since I have been in 
office have all been paid in an undepreciated currency ; a very considerable amount; 
of debt incurred by previous administrations has been paid off, and a surplus of 
availrtlilo means sufficient to defray the expenses of the Government, economically 
admiuistered, for the next two years at least, is left at the disposition of the State; 
and I venture the belief that, without resort to taxation, the public domain, if 
properly husbanded and disposed of, will raise a fund sufficient to liquidate the 
entire national debt upon equitable principles, besides providing for the future 
support of the State Government, a system of common schools and other institu- 
tions for the intellectual, moral and religious improvement of the rising generation. 
With such a population as Texas possesses, characterized as it is with great intelli- 
gence and enterprise, and with such elements of prosperity as she now possesses. 



144 LIFE OF BENJAMIN K. MILAM. 

genial climate and a fertile soil, it will be her own fault if she does not reach an. 
importance and a social elevation not surpassed by any community on earth. 

Detailed reports from all the diflFerent Departments and Bureaux, showing the 
transactions of the Government since the last annual meeting of Congress, are 
made out, and will be handed to His Excellency the Governor for transmission 
in due time to your honorable bodies. The information which these contain will 
show the manner in which the public aflfairs have been conducted since I came 
into office, and constitute in part the necessaiy data on which to predicate your 
future action. It does not come within the province of my appropriate duty 
to make any suggestions or recommend any measures for your consideration. 
This task now belongs to another, and, I am well satisfied, will be discharged with 
zeal, faithfulness and ability. I may, however, express the fervent hope which I 
have that your important deliberations, commenced under such favoi'able auspices, 
may result in the promotion of the permanent welfare of the State of Texas, and 
that your labors may be crowned with abundant blessings. 

The Lone Star of Texas, which ten years since arose amid clouds, over fields of 
carnage, and obscurely shouc for a while, has culminated, and, following an in- 
scrutable destiny, has passed on and become fixed forever in that glorious con- 
stellation which all freemen and lovers of freedom in the world must reverence 
and adore,— the American Union. Blending its rays with its sister stars, long 
may it continue to shine ! and may a gracious Heaven smile upon this consumma- 
tion of the wishes of the two Republics, now joined together in one ! " May the 
Union be perpetual, and may it be the means of conferring benefits and blessings 
upon the people of all the States, is my ardent prayer." 

The final act in this great drama is now performed. The Republic of Texas 
is no more ! 

On the delivery of this address, as the cannon proclaimed our admission into the 
Union, the United States flag was unfurled to the breeze; when, strange to say, 
while they were in the act of lowering the flag of the late Republic, the stafi' broke 
into two pieces and fell to the ground ! 



LIFE OF BENJAMIN R. MILAm. 

Col. Benjamin R. Milam, the Hero of the Alamo, was born in the State of 
Kentucky, near Frankfort. He was in a great degree an uneducated man, so far 
as literature constitutes education. His physical developments were of the finest 
order in stature and in features, worthy the celebrity of his native State. His 
mind, endowed by nature with the richest elements, displayed its uncultivated 
energies in a passionate fondness for enterprise and adventure. To say he was 
brave is but faint commendation ; the illustrious Marshal Ney was not more en- 
titled to the compliment conferred upon him by the great Napoleon — " the bravest 
of the brave" — than was our own Milam. I have seen him in perilous surround- 
ings, and have never seen him more cheerful and placid than on such occasions. 



LIFE or JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 145 

His temper was naturally calm and serene, and never more so than in the midst 

:danger. 

His instinctive proclivity for adventure led him to unite with the Mexicans in 
their desultory efforts for independence. lie held a commission in the so-called 
patriot army at the time the imperial crown was conferred upon Iturbide. Mi- 
lam was, by birth, education and deliberate preference, a republican. The coro- 
nation was scarcely completed, when he indignantly threw up his commission, 
with the bold and perhaps imprudent avowal that " he would never serve a 
king," and he set out, alone, to return to the United States, The newly-created 
monarch despatched a troop in pursuit, and had him arrested and confined in a 
loathsome calaboose. I cannot minutely state the various incidents that befell 
him at this period; but his trials were many, protracted and severe. He bore 
them with his usual equanimity, and finally succeeded in reaching his native land. 

have heard him say that he had tenanted almost every prison between the Rio 
Grande and the city of Mexico. Those who have any knowledge of the disgust- 
ing filthiness of a Mexican prison can form something like an adequate idea of 
his sufferings. 

The writer knew this gallant man in Texas as early as 1819 : he has camped 
with him many nights on the head-waters of the Colorado, having the star-span- 
gled heavens for a canopy, and the earth, shrouded by a huffalo-robe, for a couch ; 
he has witnessed him in many varieties of conditions that try men's spirits, 
and has never known him to deviate from the path of truth and rectitude, to flinch 
from danger or fatigue, or to express a dishonorable sentiment. 

But the crowning act of Milam's life, and that which ought to endear his me- 
mory to every Texian, present and future, is the storming of San Antonio, in 
1835. It was decidedly the most gallant and arduous achievement of our Revolu- 
tii>n. It was the prelude and the programme to the capture of Monterey by Gen. 
Taylor ; and Milam was the author and emphatically the hero of it. All engaged 
in the novel and desperate strife were heroes : he was pre-eminently the hero. 
At the moment the awe-stricken enemy began to waver, a ball struck him in the 
forehead, and the countenance that ever beamed with a placid smile in the midst 
of peril was speedily composed in death. 



LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 

Jose Antonio Navaruo was born in San Antonio de Bexar, the then pro- 
vince of Texas, on the 27th of February, 1795. His father, Don Angel Navarro,'a 
native of the island of Corsica, was an oflBcerin the Spanish army: having resigned 
his commission, he emigrated to Mexico, and was married in San Antonio to Donna 
Josepha Ruiz de Pesia, a Spanish Creole of noble descent. The subject of this 
sketch, when but ten years old, was sent by his father to one of the best schools at 
Saltillo, where he remained a few years, and then returned to San Antonio, when 

7 



146 LIFE OF JOSE ANTOIs^IO NAVARRO. 

he was placed in one of the commercial houses there, in which he continued -until 
after his father's death. In 1813, after the disastrous defeat of the patriot forces 
on the Medina by the Spanish General Arredondo, Jose Antonio Navarro emi- 
grated as a refugee to the State of Louisiana ; for, although he was then but seventeen 
years old, he had to undergo the same fate as some of his relatives, who had taken 
an active part in that revolution. After remaining three years in Louisiana, he re- 
turned to San Antonio, his mother having obtained the royal amnesty for him pre- 
viously to his doing so. On his arrival at home, he found his mother and family in a 
destitute condition : she was pale and emaciated, worn out with cai-es and troubles, 
havino- been left a widow, and had expended all the means left her by her husband 
in the support of herself and family. As some of Navarro's relatives had taken part 
in the revolution of 1813, the family were ever after treated with scorn and perse- 
cution, and looked upon with suspicion by the Spanish authorities at San Antonio. 
At this gloomy period of his life, Navarro had to toil and labor exceedingly to ob- 
tain a scanty living; but, even in the midst of poverty and need, all the time he could 
spare he devoted to reading. During this period, he succeeded in acquiring some 
knowledge of the laws of the country, and by way of pastime would often prac- 
tise as an advocate in the business of the place. Thus did he spend some years of 
his youth, hoping for a change for the better. The long-wished-for period arrived 
at last, in 1821. Augustin Iturbide raised the cry of Mexican Independence ; Jose 
Antonio Navarro and his relatives were again on the side of freedom. A brother of 
his proclaimed in San Antonio the plan of Iturbide. The Spanish Governor at Bexar, 
Don Antonio Maria Martinez, surrendered to him, delivered all the archives of the 
Government, and afterward adhered to Iturbide's plan of Independence. From 
this period dates the restoration and return of the Navarros. Colonel Francisco 
Ruiz, who had been an exile in the United States since the year 1813 for his ad- 
herence to the cause of Mexican Independence, was recalled by Iturbide and re- • 
turned to San Antonio in 1822. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence in 1836, and a maternal uncle of Antonio Navarro. 

In 1821, Navarro was first introduced, at San Antonio, to the lamented patriarch 
of Texas, Stephen F. Austin. Never could any two men have sympathized more 
cordially and sincerely with each other than did these two public servants of Texas, 
from the very first moment of their acquaintance. It would seem that there is within 
the heart of every man a certain spring of action, or hidden power, that impels him to- 
ward those who have some similarity of character, or disposition to know each other 
and harbor the same feelings. Such were Austin and Navarro. They both seemed 
to have the same feelings. They had in view the same object, though their position 
and circumstances were different. They held long and repeated conferences. A long 
epistolary correspondence was kept up between them up to the year 1836. Navarro 
regrets the loss of a collection of letters written to him by General Austin. He gave 
them to General Lamar in 1811, when that gentleman was about to write a history 
of Texas. These letters had very little political matter in them ; but they were pre- 
cious to Navarro, as coming from that Apostle of Liberty, who never can be too highly 



LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 147 

appreciated by posterity. Steplicn P. Austin — Austin the loyal, the pruilent, the 
considerate — never, in his correspondence with Navarro, or in his conversation with 
him, made use of an expression that could wound the feelings of national pride 
or of any individual : he was one of those good and honest men who could express 
his ideas and ohjects without betraying himself. He and Navarro had the same ob_ 
jeet in view : they understood each other : they would at times explain what they de- 
sired : but neither could reproach the other with showing the least shadow of dis- 
affection or disloi'alty to Mexico. They often conversed and discussed on questions 
of reason. 

In 1821, Jose Antonio Navarro was electol representative to the Legislature of 
the State of Coahuila and Texas. In July of the same year he set out from San An- 
tonio for Saltillo. S. F. Austin arrived at San Antonio, and the two friends had the 
pleasure of travelling together. During the journey the}' had pleasant and interesting 
conversations. Navarro took his seat in the Legislature : ho had been there but a few 
days, and had entered on his legislative duties but a short time, when he was already 
stigmatized with the surname of the Americanized Texian. A certain suspicion rose 
against him, without cause ; a blind opposition to whatever came from the Represen- 
tative of Texas, and a determined will to oppose his principles, made his colleagues 
in Congress adopt a certain course, which had for its main object a sj'stematic op- 
position to every measure favorable to Texas. Navarro perceived the ignoble con- 
duct of his colleagues in Congress, and felt ashamed for his countrymen on seeing 
the ungenerous course pursued by them against a respectable body of foreigners* 
natui'alized citizens of the country, to whom the doors of Texas had been thrown 
open, and who had been invited by the Clovernment, and were generally a virtuous 
and industrious population, whose only fault was that they could not speak the 
language of Cervantes or Montezuma. It is unfortunately too common a feeling 
with the Spanish and Mexican people to be distrustful and suspicious of every 
child of Adam who has not been born iu their territory or who does not speak their 
language. But Navarro, possessed of a good and honest heart from childhood, and 
ever zealous to preserve an unblemished reputation, — zealous also for the good name 
of his country, — had to l)car silently the impertinences of his countrj'raen, and to en- 
deavor to persuade them, in order to discharge his duty toward his constituents, 
the greater part of them being colonists, naturalized foreigners, who had candidly re- 
posed their trust in him. Were it possible to collect all the journals of debates of 
the Legislature of the State of Coahuila and Texas at that period, those documents 
would show what the Representative from Texas did for his constituents : they 
would show the continual political contest which he had to keep up against a ma- 
jority, in order to save Texas from legislative persecution. 

Notwithstanding his occasional displeasures and political contests, he served out 
his time, and returned to San Antonio, leaving behind him at Saltillo a good name 
and spotless character. Although Navarro returned to San Antonio satisfied that 
he had pursued a straightforward, honorable course of conduct, yet on his return 
homo ho already began to feel a certain repugnance to the existing state of things; 



148 LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 

and he meditated anxiously, and expected and longed for, a change in the affairs ot 
the Government, yet such a change as would be consistent with the honor and glory 
of the Mexican Republic and that freedom and prosperity so much wished for in 
Texas, and which, in fact, was due to her from the General Government. Never for 
one moment did Navarro, after his return to San Antonio, harbor the idea that he 
•would one day contribute, directly or indirectly, to the separation of Texas from 
Mexico. Mexican nationality was the polar star that directed all his thoughts. He 
•wished and endeavored to contribute his mite toward doing something for the re- 
establishment of the Mexican character, which was almost extinguished in the 
eyes of the civilized world. He had a deske for some change for the better. He 
■wanted something new, — some change that would tend to overthrow the de- 
spotic system then existing; but he never imagined for one instant that this 
was to be done at the sacrifice of the nationality of the Mexican Republic. This was 
his political position after his return from Saltillo. His countrymen understood his 
position, and for this reason he enjoyed their confidence. In 1S33, he was elected 
suppletory Representative to the General Congress, as will appear by the following 
official document sent to him from Saltillo, which reads as follows : — " Junta Elec- 
toral of the State of Coahuila and Texas. Having been elected by this Junta sup- 
pletory Representative from the State for the House of Representatives of the Gene- 
ral Congress, this body have the honor of communicating it to you. God and Liberty. 
Leona Vicario, March 2d, 1833. J. M. Veramendi, President ; Juan de Dios Delgado, 
Executador; Jose Maria de Gorrelar, Secretary. Sr. Jose Antonio Navarro." 

We see, by the foregoing, that Jose Antonio Navarro was elected suppletory Re- 
presentative to the General Congress at the very place and by the very men who, in 
1821 and 1828, had been his most violent political enemies. This was the reward 
of his upright and honorable conduct. He had been, and was, the political enemy 
of the electors of Leona Vicario; but they knew he was a friend of the principles of 
his fellow-citizens, or, rather, of the true principles of his country. 

Navarro continued in San Antonio, absorbed in thought, trying to devise some 
means to better the condition of Texas. He saw that few good results were to be ex- 
pected from mere good wishes and high hopes, if some powerful hand did not in- 
terfere to overthrow the present order of things. The military commanders of San 
Antonio, and all throughout Texas, were, unfortunatclj', the most stupid and brutal 
of the Mexican army, and by their shameful and arbitrary conduct daily increased 
the discontent of the inhabitants. Navarro and his friends were continually opposing 
the bad conduct of these officials dressed in military attire. The year 1835 arrived. 
Navarro received another testimonial of the respect and confidence of his country- 
men : he was elected Senator to the Federal Congress, as will appear by the follow- 
ing official document sent to him from Monclova. "Secretary's Dei)artment of the 
State of Coahuila and Texas. The Honorable Legislature having proceeded on the 
2d of the present month to the election of two Senators to represent this State in the 
Senate of the Sovereign Congress of the Union, according to the established plan of 
Cuernauaca, adopted by the States, you have been elected in the first place for this 



LIFE or JOSE ANTONIO NAVARKO. 149 

delicate function. By cxjiress oi'lor of tlio same lionoral)le afjsemblj', and that it 
may have the effect indicated by the thirty-third article of this Federal Constitu- 
tion, we announce it to you, hoping of your zeal and efficacy for the fulfilment of 
your duties that you will hasten your march to the capital of the Republic, with 
the exactitude that the welfare of the country requires. At the same time that we 
communicate this resolution to you, we take occasion to congratulate you upon this 
preferment. God and Libertj\ Monclova, 4th March, 1835. Andreas de la Viesea y 
Montes, Deputy Secretary ; Diego Grant, Deputy Secretary. To the citizen Joso 
Antonio Navarro." This appointment, at once lucrative and honorable, placed 
Navarro in a dilemma, which was, either to go to the city of Mexico, take his seat hi 
the Senate of the Mexican Congress, and thereby throw into his pocket ten thousand 
dollars mileage, besides his per diem, or to remain in Texas and await the uncer- 
tain result of a revolution which had as yet no known supporters or probability 
of success, — nothing but the conjectures and efforts of Stephen F. Austin and his 
friends, who secretly and carefully were concerting a revolutionary movement. Na- 
varro's position was critical : the matter was pressing, and he had to decide on it 
quickly. In this embarrassing situation he consulted his uncle, Don Francisco 
Ruiz. This venerable Mexican colonel, born likewise in San Antonio, was well 
known to be a man of a great deal of natural talent, and remarkable for his experi- 
ence and foresight in political matters and in revolutionary movements, having 
taken part in the early revolutions of Mexico when struggling for her independence. 
Francisco Ruiz was much beloved by S. F. Austin. This was the man whom Navarro 
chose for his adviser in these critical circumstances. Ruiz read the official document, 
and then said to him, "Navarro, I will tell you in a few words what I think about 
this matter. It is useless for me to give j'ou a long dissertation or harangue to per- 
suade you. The die is cast, and something will be done in a few months toward 
effecting a separation of Texas from the Mexican Republic. I feel horrified at the 
idea of having to pronounce this anathema on our dear country. I have fought and 
shed my blood in my youth for Mexico and Mexican liberty; and, although ad- 
vanced in years, I would offer her the aid of my arm, if I had the least glimmering of 
hope that this unhappy country could be capable of self-government. But I have lost 
all hope for her: I sec her ruin and inevitable degradation. I have military honors; 
(you know it well.) and receive a pension from the Government of ^Mexico. I will,lose 
it all rather than go to Mexico and unite myself to the ranks of that oppressive army. 
Do not go to the Senate of Mexico; for you will only bo going there to contribute to 
give the last funeral knell for the defunct libertj' of Mexico. Do not go to Mexico : 
remain in Texas, let its fate bo what it may ; for surely it will never be worse than that 
of the eight millions of inhabitants of that unhappy countr}-. This is my advice to 
you." Such were the words of this rcmai-kablc man. Navarro took his advice and 
resolved on remaining in Texas. He immediately answered the official documents 
which he had received, and gave as an excuse for his not going to take his seat that 
he was impeded by sickness. He wrote this in 1835, in the month of April, when 
already the glorious cry of Texian insurrection was to be heard on the margins of 



ISO LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO, 

the Brazos and the Colorado. Toward the latter part of the same year, the insurrec- 
tion was general through Texas, from the Sabiue to the Sau Antonio Rivers. The 
die is cast ; and our patriot is prepared for the struggle. In December of the same 
year, (1835,) the patriotic troops of Texas made the despots of Mexico bite the dust : 
they were driven from the country, and a convention was held by the people of Texas 
at Washington, on the Brazos. Colonel Francisco Ruiz and Jose Antonio Navarro 
were chosen delegates from San Antonio, by the unanimous voice of the people, to 
represent them at the convention. Navarro hesitated in the course which he was 
about to take : he had an ardent desire to establish a free government for Texas ; 
and yet he trembled at the thought of having to sanction with his signature the 
eternal separation of Texas from the mother-country. This was the feeling he expe- 
rienced when at the convention. He could have kept unrevealed to Texas and the 
world the fluctuating and doubtful situation in which he found himself at that pe- 
riod ; no one being able to fathom his inmost thoughts, he might well boast of being an 
ardent lover of Independence ; yet he does not wish to receive undeserved praise, and 
he has been heard to declare that he was one of the last in the convention to 
agree to sign the Declaration of Independence. As a loyal and faithful subject of 
his first and mother country, he wished to be certain that there was no other 
way to remedy the evil than by sanctioning a separation from Mexico. He 
saw and was convinced that there was no alternative between liberty or an 
ignominious subjection, if Texas did not assume an independent attitude ; and then 
he subscribed the Declaration of Independence, on the 2d of March, 1836. From that 
day he folded up and kejit in forgetfulness all the public documents relating to 
his twenty years' services rendered to Mexico, his former country, and henceforth con- 
stituted himself one of the most ardent defenders of Texian liberty. His person and 
property became at once the patrimony of this country ; in 1837, he gave the only 
store he had, for supplies to the Texian troops. In 1841, he was appointed one of the 
Commissioners to the Santa Fe Expedition. Every one knows the unfortunate issue 
of this expedition. Navarro was made prisoner at the Laguna Colorado, on the 5th 
of October, 1841, and, after having been conducted to Mexico under the most severe 
restrictions, he was incarcerated in one of the dungeons of the Acordada. He was 
placed in the same dungeon with two celebrated highway robbers of Mexico, who 
were hung a few days after his arrival there. He was taken out two months 
afterward, and called to hear sentence of death pronounced against him. For- 
tunately, the Supreme Court-Martial annulled the sentence of the inferior court, 
and he was permitted to remain as a prisoner of war, within the walls of the city, 
under bail. But the decision of this high tribunal was not conclusive, for the Supreme 
Court had not consulted the wish of the Dictator of Mexico. Santa Anna punished 
the court for having given such a hasty and rash decision, and, having revised their 
sentence, sent Navarro to the damp and horrible dungeon of San Juan de Ullua, after 
he had been a prisoner of the Acordada for twenty-two months, where he had lived 
at the expense of charitable people, — for the Government did not take the trouble to 
feed her prisoners. In the dungeon of San Juan de Ullua he remained for fourteen 



LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 151 

months, until the 2d of January, 1845. when he escaped from Vera Cruz, hy the 
help of some good Americans, who procured him a passage on board an English 
ship, in which he came to Havana, where he took passage in an American steam- 
ship bound for New Orleans, at which place he arrived on the 18th January, 1845, 
after an absence of three years and three months. lu New Orleans he was 
heartily welcomed b^' his friends, from whom he received many testimonials of 
kindness and affection, especially from George W. Kendall, editor of the New Or- 
leans Picayune, who took him to the raagniticent hotel of St. Charles. Navarro will 
never forget the kind services of his friend George AV. Kendall. On the 3d Febru- 
ary, 1845, he was received in Galveston by his fellow-citizens with great demon- 
strations of joy. He had a very complimentary reception. To the convention held 
at Austin on the 4th of July of the same year he was elected delegate from the 
county of Bexar, and immediately after was elected Senator to the first Legislature 
of the State of Texas. At the convention he voted for annexation. He has now 
willingly retired from the scenes of public life, and spends the greater part of his time 
at his farm in Atascosa county. Retired from the busy scenes of public life, he con- 
templates with pleasure the rapid progress and prosperity of the country which he 
helped to save from the hands of a barbarous soldiery. 

During his captivity in Mexico he was on several occasions offered pardon 
and liberty if he would only abjure forever Texas, his country. On the night 
of the 4th of October, 1841, when General McLeod had the first interview with 
Colonel Archuleta, who was the conciueror at Laguna Colorado, and to whom 
General McLeod surrendered. Colonel Archuleta offered Navarro pardon on con- 
dition that he should perform the ostensible act of crossing over on that night 
to the Mexican ranks. '' Colonel Navarro," said Archuleta, '• I pity your situation. 
You are my countrj'raan. To-morrow at the break of day you shall all be my prison- 
ers : you can make nothing by staying to-night in the camp of the enemy. "Why then 
do j-ou not come over to-night to my camp, which is only 500 varas hence ? My 
camp is that of yoiir native country. By doing this you will save your life : it will be 
sufficient cause to induce General Armijo to pardon and recommend 3'ou to the 
Government of Mexico, — for I presume that General Armijo has secret instructions 
with regard to this matter, as you must think that I have." " I thank you very 
kindly," answered Navarro: "but I would not do that ignominious act did I know that 
my blood was to flow to-morrow on this plain. I have come with this expedition with- 
out compulsion. In a free country like Texas, no one is compelled to act contrary 
to his will, except when he dares to violate the sanctity of the laws. I have come 
with this expedition to endeavor by my mediation, and by the common sympathy 
of blood and language, to prevent this unnecessar}- shedding of blood. But j-ou have 
bad fortune on your side, and have conquered us. No blood will be shed but mine, as 
you indicate : be it so. But, colonel, do not deceive yourself with vain illusinns; for 
New Mexico will soon or late be Jin integral part of Texas I again tliank 3-ou for 
your invitation, for I know your motives to be generous, and the great desire you 
have of saving my life ; but the condition is so dear that I cannot accept it. To- 



152 LIFE OF JOSE ANTONIO NAVARRO. 

morrow I will probably be your prisoner at flaybi-eali, and I doubt not you will 
have more compassion and regard for a conquered foe than for a vile ti'aitor. I have 
sworn to be a free Texiau. I shall never forswear." This concluded their conversa- 
tion, and he was his prisoner the following morning. At San Miguel it seems that 
Armijo made similar promises to him through the Padre Leyba, the priest of the 
parish ; but it was useless. He was conducted to Mexico under especial vigilance. In 
Mexico and at San Juan de Ullua, although the proud and cunning Santa Anna 
never permitted himself to be seen by his prisoner, he took good care to instruct 
his vile satellites to make propositions to him to make a retraction against Texas 
and the Texians : the prisoner always refused to listen to their promises, without say- 
ing a word against Mexico or its rulers. But on one occasion he felt so indignant, 
after being annoj'ed and importuned by these men, that he gave expression to 
his feelings. This was in August or September of the year 1843, when two of the 
confidential satellites of Santa Anna endeavored to persuade him to " abjure Texas 
and to bring his famil}' to Mexico," " for we are satisfied," said they, " that the gene- 
rous Santa Anna will not onlj- give you your liberty, but will reward you with some 
high office. The mere fact of seeing your family here, your wife and daughters im- 
ploring the mercy of his Excellency Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, would bo 
enough to induce him to give j'ou your liberty and remove you from this dungeon. 
Besides, we think you would be paid for all your property in Texas ; your home 
shall be restored, and you shall continue in the service of your mother-country." 
An electric spark seemed to have fired the face of the worn-out prisoner when he 
heard these propositions made to him of abandoning the country of freemen and 
conducting his wife and daughters to Mexico, to implore his pardon from the 
greatest tyrant that America ever saw. General Santa Anna. " Gentlemen," said 
the insulted prisoner, " if these proposals come exclusively from yourselves, — if, as I 
hope, they are produced from a feeling of charity or friendship toward me, — I thank 
you most kindly, without thinking for a moment of accepting your advice; but if it 
be the ease (as I have great reason to believe that it is) that these proposals 
come, directly or indirectly, from General Santa Anna, I wish to let you know that 
it is enough for me to presume that they come from that source to repel them with 
indignation. I authorize you, gentlemen, to tell President Santa Anna, from this un- 
fortunate Texian prisoner, that all the treasures of the mines of Zacatecas and Tre- 
sanillo are not enough to buy or corrupt the heart of a man like him whom he 
keeps confined in this filthy dungeon. Y«u may tell him that my family yet lives in 
Texas, probably reduced to poverty, but still enjoying the respect of a magnanimous 
people, who know how to reward virtue and patriotism. Does General Santa Anna 
think that I, for the sake of buying my liberty or saving my life, would permit my 
wife and family to come here and prostrate themselves before him and implore his 
mercy in these palaces of scandal and prostitution ? If that sultan had the least 
feeling of regard for the honor and good name of his countrymen, he would not cer- 
tainly treat me so; he would, on the contrary, have known how to appreciate and es- 
teem a countryman of his, who, though his political enemy, was a proud example to 



LIFE OP JAMES COKYELL. 153 

Mexico, degraded as she in, that she yet produces nicn of honor and fortitude. But> 
gentlemen, I know that he is incapable of such a feeling. I now once and forever 
declare to you that it is not my intention ever to have my family brought to Mexico, 
be my fate what it may." This was the conversation of the prisoner with those 
Mexican gentlemen who were sent by Santa Anna. Six weeks after it occurred, 
he was sent to Vera Cruz. 

Jose Antonio Navarro was also a Representative from the county of Bexar in the 
Congress of the Republic of Texas held at Houston in 1838 and 1839. These 
are the most important facts of his history, all of which are correct and true, 
as I have acquired them from a reliable source. Many curious incidents in 
the life of this man with which I am acquainted have been omitted in this sketch, 
as I am of opinion that they would be more proper in a biography than in a mere 
sketch of his life as a public man. There is, however, one remarkable coincidence 
in the life of Navarro which I will here relate, being as curious as it is true. It is 
the following coincidence of dates. lie left Austin to go to the camp of the Santa 
Fe expedition on the 18th June, 1841. After being made prisoner at Laguna 
Colorado, he left San Miguel del Vado for Mexico on the 18th of October, 1841. 
After his arrival in Mexico, he was tried by court-martial, and was sentenced to 
death on the 18th May, 1842. After the sentence was annulled by the Supreme 
Court-Martial, he was conducted to San Juan de UUua, having left the Acordada 
on the 18th of October, 184.3. On the 18th of December, 1844, he was taken out 
from San Juan de Ullua, and allowed to remain a prisoner on parole in Vera Cruz. 
When he escaped from Vera Cruz, coming by way of Havana, he arrived at New 
Orleans on the 18th of January, 1845. And lastly, on the 18th of February, 1845, 
he had the pleasure of embracing his wife and children at San Geronimo, near 
Seguin. 

LIFE OF JAMES CORYELL. 

James Coryell, in early life, was a hunter and trapper on the plains and on the 
Rocky Mountains. In 1832, he accompanied James Bowie in his celebrated cx- 
ploring-expedition to the San Saba in search of the silver-mines, and was one of 
that little band of eleven who, under Bowie, successfully fought several hundred 
Indians for three successive days. During the spring and summer of 1836 he was 
a meml>er of E. Robertson's ranging-company. After he hail completed that tour 
of duty, he immediately enrolled himself as a member of Captain Barron's company 
of rangers. In the fall of the year they were stationed at the Three Forks of Little 
River, where his bravery made him a universal favorite. During the months of 
April and May, 1837, the country being overrun by a large number of Indians, it 
was considered advisable to abandon that fort and to concentrate the whole ranging- 
force at the Falls of the Brazos. While encamped at this stiition, he, in company 
with Michael Castlemau and Ezra Webb, ventured about three hundred yards from 
the post to a bee-tree, when they were attacked by a band of Indians, and Coryell 



154 LIFE OF NEIL McLENNAN, tSEN. 

was shot through the heart and instantly expu-ed. The other two svieeeedcd in 
making their escape ; but, unfortunately, at that moment the commander of the post, 
Captain George B. Erath, was absent on a scout with the majority of his men west of 
Little River ; and before the Indians could be pursued they had fled to their moun- 
tain-home, thus escaping the punishment they so richly deserved. 

Coryell was really a frontier-man, — an excellent woodsman, an agreeable com- 
panion, a brave soldier, and an admirable marksman, — and was beloved by all 
who knew him. At the time of his death he was forty years old. A short time 
previous to his death, while out on a scout, he explored a region of country 
now known as Coryell county, and, being a man of acute judgment, was struck 
with the beauty and eligibility of the country near the mouth of Coryell Creek. 
He there located his headright of one-quarter of a league, and thus gave his name 
to that stream. 

— -^S-S#-14>S-5-— — 

LIFE OF NEIL McLEWMAN, SEN. 

Neil McLennan, Sen., the Patriarch of the Bosque, a native of the Highlands 
of Scotland, was born in the j-ear 1777, and emigrated with a large fsimily con- 
nection to the State of North Carolina in the year 1801, where he continued to re- 
side, pursuing the business of a farmer, until the year 1816, when, impelled by a 
brave and adventurous spirit, in company with one companion, he determined to 
explore the then wilderness of Florida. This they accomplished under the most 
disadvantageous circumstances. Without a path or a guide, they penetrated and 
explored the dense forests of West Florida, traversing it in every direction for seve- 
ral hundred miles on foot, burdened with their guns, axes, provisions and blankets ! 
Being satisfied with that country, he removed to it in the following year, and con- 
tinued to reside there until the year 1834, when, having heard of the great and 
peculiar advantages of Texas, he, together with his brothers, a few friends and 
their families, afterward removed to that country. They purchased a schooner 
at Pensacola, loaded her with their worldly goods, and navigated her themselves, 
and arrived safely at the mouth of the Brazos River. Early in 1835, they pro- 
ceeded up the Brazos River as high as what is now known as Fort Bend countj', — 
where, striking a snag, the schooner was sunk; but they succeeded in saving the 
majority of their goods; and, having supplied themselves with teams by the open- 
ing of spring, they made their way to Robertson's Colony, and settled on Pond 
Creek, near its mouth, in what is now Falls county. In the winter of 1835, when 
almost all the settlers had retired from the frontier in consequence of the hos- 
tility of the Indians, he and his brave associates remained on their farm. In the 
spring of 1836, their first misfortune overtook them. The Indians made a descent 
upon their settlement. His brother Laughlin, while splitting rails a short distance 
from the house, was killed. His wife was also murdered. His mother, an aged and 
enfeebled woman, not able to walk, was burned alive in the house, and their 
three children taken into captivity, — two of whom soon died. The other, a fino 



LIFE OF NEIL McLENNAN, SEN. 155 

boy of seven year?, was adopted by the Indians; nnd when reclaimed in 184(5 
ho was unable to speak a single word of English, and, in the Indian garb and with 
all the propensities of that race, it was no ordinary task to win " this young 
savage" from the customs and feelings that bad been engrafted on him by his 
Indian friends. After his return it was a long time before he could be reconciled to 
his relatives and civilization; but at length they triumphed, and he now resides on 
Hog Creek, with his wife, an American lady, and famih', an industrious farmer, 
and is doing well. During the lifetime of his adopted Indian mother he often 
visited her, being always loaded with such presents as he knew would gratify 
hor, — thus showing his gratitude for her care and attention to him during his boy- 
hood. After the attack by the Indians, Neil McLennan and his companions, 
attending to the remonstrance of their friends, removed to NashvUle, at that time a 
frontier settlement; but in the spring of 1S37 he determined once more to open his 
farm, and, in company with his son John, the present Sheriff of McLennan county, 
nnd a negro boy, commenced planting corn, when the Indians again attacked him. 
lie and his son narrowly escaped: his negro boy, after being severely wounded, 
was taken prisoner, but, disliking the Indian mode of life, he, through his own ex- 
ertions and the mediation of the friendly Indians,, was soon released from captivity 
and safely restored to his master. 

Whenever there was a call for rangers for frontier-protection, Neil McLennan 
"was sure to respond. The daring feats performed by these hardy and brave men 
it is not now our province to recount. At this time land-surveying on the frontier 
was rather a dangerous business ; but Neil was always sure to be found among 
them, doing good service. 

Among the many losses and misfortunes that attended this family through tho 
hostility of the Indians was the loss of his brother, John McLennan, Sen., who 
was shot by a part}- of Indians from an ambush when within a short distance from 
the town of Nashville. 

During the winter of 1839 and spring of 1840, he accompanied Captain George 
B. Erath on a surveying-party to the Bosque country ; and, being struck with tho 
many advantages it presented for farming and grazing purposes, he determined to 
locate himself there and nowhere else. The more his friends remonstrated with 
him, pointing out to him the madness of a man venturing nearly one hundred miles 
above the extreme frontier settlement, the more determined was he to carry out his 
darling project; and in 1845 he made a commencement in improving the- tract he 
now resides upon. In 1S46, two families accompanied him- AVith his knowledge 
of the Indian character, he soon secured their friendship, — in consequence of which 
his life was no longer in danger; but he was continually annoyed b_v the loss of his 
horses. Ilis red brethren often paid him a visit, on which occasions they partook 
of his hospitality, and always had more than their share or than they were entitled 
to. It was no uncommon thing at that time to find two or three hundred Comnnches 
camped around his house, so that it was impossible for him to move about without 
their consent. During their visits of course his corn -cribs and smoke-house were 



156 LIFE OF DAVID G. BURNET. 

opened for their use. Still, with all these drawbacks, in his exposed frontier-home 
he displayed to all visitors that real old baronial hospitality so proverbial among 
the Highland Scotch. Nor were his visitors few and far between ; for the fame of 
the Bosque country had spread far and wide, and he was visited by every hunter, 
whether of land or game; and we can assure our readers that the Honorable 
George E. Burney did no more than justice to the old Patriarch of Bosque, when, 
the bill to create the county of McLennan being under discussion in the House of 
Representatives, on a motion to strike out the name of McLennan county and insert 
another name, he paid a truthful and handsome tribute to Neil McLennan, which 
had the desired effect of removing all opposition, and thus this county obtained its 
name. ' 

In 1848, a ranging-company, under the command of Captain Shaplcj^ P. Ross, 
one of our present Indian Commissioners, was stationed a short distance below the 
residence of McLennan. This tended to keep the Indians back, and gave the young 
settlement peace. In 1849, General Harvey removed the troops to Fort Graham, on 
the Brazos, about forty miles above ; in consequence of which the most hostile of 
the Indians ceased their visits. 

At this time, although nearly eighty years old, he possesses the same kind and 
hospitable feelings, — ever ready to accommodate the wayfarer or his friends, — still 
active for his age, never calling upon another to do that which he himself is able 
to accomplish ; and but recently, hearing of a friend being within two miles of his 
house, he walked over to visit him, and invited him to his home. 

He is blessed with four sons and two daughters, who, although delighting some- 
what more in indulging in the luxuries of civilization, retain much of the same 
careless spirit in acquiring property. They are hospitable ta a fault, brave almost 
to rashness, and nearly as fond of the dangers and excitement of a frontier life 
as their father. We know them well, for we have shared with them the camp-fire 
and its attendant luxuries ; our blankets have been spread for our couch far above 
the settlements, — on which is yet the extreme frontier, the home of the savage. 
We have shared the hospitality of their firesides ; yet we ever found them the same, 
each of them proving himself a true scion of a noble-hearted parent. 



LIFE OF DAVID G. BURNET. 

David G. Burnet was born at Newark, New Jersey, on the 4th of April, 1789. 
He was the youngest, and is now the only surviving, son of Dr. William Burnet. 
His father. Dr. B., was in the medical service of the country from the commence- 
ment of the Revolution to its close, and was Superintendent of a Militar}' Hospital, 
established mainly by himself, at Newark, in 1775. In 1776, the Legislatui-e of 
New Jersey elected him a member of the Continental Congress. Soon after he 
took his seat, a new arrangement was made in the medical department of the 
army : the thirteen States were divided into three medical districts, the Southern, 



LIFE OF DAVID G. BURNET. 157 

Middle and Eiistcrn, and provision was made for a physician-genernl and a sur- 
geon-general in each. In consideration of the strong claims of Dr. Burnet, tho 
two offices were combined, and he was appointed Physician and Surgeon General 
for the Eastern District. Dr. B. died in October, 1790. All his sons that were 
of competent age were actively engaged in the struggle for independence. His 
second son, Major Ichabod Burnet, was aide-de-camp to Major-General Greene, and 
served during the war. 

David G. Burnet was educated at a highly-respectable academy in his native 
town. He discontinued his classical studies and prepared himself for admission 
into the navy. The late Commodore J. Orde Creighton had studied with the same 
view and in the same class the year befoi'e. Young Burnet's elder brother was so 
strenuously opposed to the project of entering tho navy that it was abandoned, 
and the youthful aspirant for naval fame was placed in the counting-house of 
Robinson and Ilartshorne, in New York, in 1805._^ 

Early in the year 1S06, the then interesting expedition of General Don Francisco 
do Miranda was being organized in the city of New York, and young Burnet, 
among others of the most respectable families, united with it. He did not embark 
in this novel and hazardous enterprise without due consideration, but consulted 
Col. Wm. Smith, the son-in-law of Ex-President John Adams, Samuel G. Ogden, 
the principal financial contributor to the expedition, and his own relative, and 
Gen. John N. Gumming, of Newark, his father's and his own warm friend. This 
first FILIBUSTERING expedition sailed from New York in the ship Leander, Capt. 
Tlios. Lewis, in February, 1800. They proceeded to Jazuemel, St. Domingo, (now 
lluyti,) where the general expected a naval reinforcement. He was joined by two 
schooners of small force. Before leaving the harbor, a mutiny occurred on board 
one of tho schooners, and Lieut. Burnet and some others were despatched to sup- 
press it, which was promptly done. 

The first aggressive demonstration made by Gen. Miranda toward the emanci- 
pation of his native country from Spanish dominion was at La Villa de Coro, on 
the Gulf of Venezuela. The fleet, now consisting of the British frigate Bacchante, 
Capt. Dacres, a gun-brig of the same flag, a gun-boat, the ship Leander and two 
schooners, anchored at the nearest approach, about three-quarters of a mile from the 
town, which was protected bj' a handsome half-moon battery of ten guns, and 
eleven guns mounted on the open beach, manned ■ by two hundred and seventy-five 
or eighty soldiers of the regular army. A landing was cfl"ccted directly in front of 
the batter}', in three boats, with twenty men in each, besides the oarsmen, under 
the command of Col. W. Kirkland. a most gallant and accomplished officer, who 
had joined the adventure at San Domingo. Lieut. Burnet commanded the party 
in the launch from the frigate Bacchante, and consequently was one of those who 
fired the first gun in favor of Spanish-.Vmerican independence. The assailants car- 
ried the fort and village with a small loss, the cncuiy retiring to the city of Coro, 
in the interior. 

Many trying and for the most part disastrous adventures succeeded this first 



158 LIFE OF DAVID G. BURNET. 

essay, uutil the expedition was finally abandoned, principally on account of the 
decease of Mr. Pitt, the great English premier, who was Miranda's warm friend 
and patron. Mr. B. and most of the survivors of the original party returned to 
New York : many of them had perished ; some were captured by the enemy and 
condemned to the mines : ten of the officers, as gallant spirits as ever wore a belt, 
were barbarously executed at Porto Cavallo : their blood has long since germinated. 

In ISOS, the revolution thus feebly initiated broke out with vigor in the province 
of Caraccas, and Gen. Miranda was placed at the head of the patriot army. 
Mr. Burnet, on receiving this intelligence, again left New York and joined his old 
commander at Caraccas. He was welcomed with a warm and affectionate regard 
by the veteran chief, but was advised to return to the United States, as a powerful 
faction had been organized against him, and he was then in retirement at his beau- 
tiful villa near the city, not knowing what would betide him. The evolutions of 
political factions among a corrupt people who can divine ? Mr. B. very reluc-^ 
tantly parted with his venerable commander, who was soon afterward betrayed 
into the hands of the Gachupins, (Spaniards,) conveyed to Spain, and there 
suffered to perish in prison. 

We must be brief. The course of events brought Mr. Burnet as a merchant to 
Nachitoches, in Louisiana, in the year 1817. He was then severely threatened 
with pulmonary consumption, and was advised by his physician, the late Dr. 
Levis, to turn Indian and live as Indians do. He accordingly went among 
the Comanches on the head-waters of the Colorado, and remained there for more 
than a year, during which time he subsisted on buffalo and other wild meats 
without bread or vegetables of any sort. His health was fully restored. He re- 
turned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had previously resided, and there studied law, 
having utterly failed in his mercantile operations, for which he had neither taste 
nor tact. 

.In 1826, Mr. Burnet emigrated to Texas, the climate of which had rescued him 
from a premature grave. The late Gen. Austin and himself became warm friends, 
and so continued until the decease of that distinguished patriot. Early in 1827, 
Mr. B. proceeded to Saltillo and obtained an empresario contract from the Govern- 
ment of Coahuila and Texas. This contract he afterward disposed of to a com- 
pany in New York, who managed it so indiscreetly as to result in severe loss to 
themselves and others. Mr. Burnet had no agency in that mismanagement, he 
having executed an irrevocable power of attorney to the trustees of the company. 
He married in New York and returned to Texas in May, 1831, bringing with him a 
steam-engine for a saw-mill, which was finally erected at Lynchburg, on the San 
Jacinto. The vessel was partially wrecked on Point Bolivar, and Mrs. Burnet 
made her first landing in Texas through the rough surges of the Gulf. The steam 
saw-mill resulted in a heavy loss. Mr. B, had also sustained a loss in the ground- 
ing of the vessel : all his household effects were thrown overboard. 

In 1833, Mr. Burnet was elected to the Convention at San Felipe, the primary 
purpose of which was to obtain from the Federal Government at Mexico a separate 



LIFE OF DAVID G. BURNET. 159 

Stale organization for Texas, wliich sensibly felt the inconvenience of an nrliiUary 
connection with Coahuila. lie drew up and submitted the memorial on that sub- 
ject, which was unanimously adopted. He also prepared and submitted a series of 
resolutions denunciatory of the African slave-trade, which was then actively pro- 
secuted by some wealthj- citizens. These also were adopted Nem. cOX., although 
they produced some excitement outside of tiie halls of the Convention. 

In 18:54, Jlr. B. was, without his knowledge, appointed, by the State Govern- 
ment, Judge of the municipalitj' of Austin, comprehending about one-half the 
population of Texas, lie held several courts at San Felipe, we believe, to the 
general satisfaction. For these services he received, literally, no compensation, 
neither laud nor money enough to defray his travelling-expenses. 

AVhcn the war-fever first exhibited its paroxysms in Texas, Judge Burnet was in 
opposition and remained in quiet on his little farm. But when the news arrived 
that Sauta Anna had assumed dictatorial powers and abolished the State Govern- 
ments, he forthwith took a decided stand in favor of resistance. He presented and 
advocated a series of patriotic resolutions to a large assemblage of citizens at 
Liberty, many of whom were adverse to the war. He succeeded in procuring the 
adoption of the resolutions by a majority, thus compromitting that section of the 
country in favor of resistance to the supremo authorities of the now nominal 
republic of Mexico. 

In 183G, Judge Burnet was elected, by the Convention that declared independence, 
President ad iXTEnut of the incipient Republic. How he discharged his arduous 
duties is a matter of history : it is but fair to snj- that no history has yet been 
written that has done justice to his brief and troublesome administration. AVe 
trust there will be. He suffered much loss of property from the enemy and from 
tories at home, who pillaged his house, which he was compelled to vacate. In 
October, 183G, he voluntarily resigned, to give place to a full inauguration of the 
permanent Constitutional Government, and was succeeded by Gen. Houston. At 
the expiration of Houston's term of two j'cars. Judge B. was stronglj- solicited to 
become a candidate, but declined, in a published address, in favor of his gallant 
friend. Gen. M. B. Lamar, who was elected. Burnet was elected Vice-President. 
It is due to Judge Burnet to say that he never resorted to the too common modes of 
procuring success at the ballot-box, having an insuperable aversion to the prac- 
tice of personally canvassing the State, as it is termed. 

In 18.39, Judge Burnet accompanied the Cherokee Expedition as one of the com- 
missioners to procure the voluntarj- return to the United States of the Cherokco 
Indians and their associate bands. He was in both the battles with those tribes. 

Since the termination of his Vice- Presidenc3% Judge Burnet has lived in retire- 
ment on his little farm, near the San Jacinto. He has acquired (or rather retained, 
for he has met with manj' and severe pecuniary losses) but little of this world's 
goods; but he doubtless enjoys, in the evening of his days, the high gratification, 
which the stranger cannot intermeddle with nor the calumniator disturb, of having 
faithfullj- and honorably discharged his duties to his adopted country in all the 
arious and responsible positions ho has occupied. 



160 LIFE OF COL. THOS. WM. WARD. 

LIFE OF COL. THOMAS WSLLSAM WARD. 

Colonel Thomas William Ward was born in Dublin, in the year 1807. He is a 
son of the late Henry Ward, Esquire, of that city. His first Hibernian paternal 
ancestor was a friend and adherent of Oliver Cromwell, and became a resident of 
Ireland in the time of that illustrious man. By his mother's side he is a relative 
of the Marquis of Hastings, and by his father's a descendant of one of the Earls of 
Dudley. 

From childhood he has been fond of athletic exercise and field-sports. From 
a very early age he has given evidence of a daring and enterprising spirit. His 
natural tastes led him toward martial pursuits. A cadetship in the East India 
Companj''s service was provided for him by a relative and friend of his mother, 
but his father forbade the appropriation, not wishing his son, then under twenty 
years of age, to be sent so far from home and from paternal oversight and care, and, 
being somewhat positive in the exercise of his domestic authority, required him 
to adopt the profession which he had chosen for himself, — that of an architect. 
Possessed of a versatile genius, the young man had no difficulty in making himself 
thoroughly conversant with every branch of the profession. Even at that early 
age, he was intrusted by his father with the oversight and direction of important 
erections. 

But his ardent spirit could no longer be restrained. In the year 1828, when he 
had just entered upon his twenty-first yoai-, he set out for the Western World, and 
landed at Quebec. 

The love of democracy and the preference for its institutions which he had 
inherited, through an unbroken chain of republican spirits, from his Cromwellian 
forefather, led him, after a very few weeks' stay in Canada, to the United States, 
and gradually to New Orleans, where he acquired a competency. 

No n.ative citizen has ever displaj-ed more of a patriotic spirit, or deliberately 
made greater sacrifices for the good of the country. Indignant at the outrages 
of the Mexicans against our countrj'men in Texas, he, in company with other 
chivalrous gentleman, raised a company of volunteers, styled the " New Orleans 
Grays," and marched with them to the scene of action, to aid the suffering Texians, 
and soon won, by his valor and energy, the admiration of all who knew him. 

His disposition and carriage have always been remarked : from boj'hood he has 
been noted for great refinement of manners, and politeness is natural to him. His 
temperament is quick, warm and generous, his spirit high, honorable, just, sincere, 
candid, frank and confiding, — qualities, these, which are rarely to be found combined 
in one man. 

When our hero entered upon his warlike career, a finer-looking person was 
scarcely to be seen. He was almost six feet high, with erect figure and broad 
shoulders, having light-blue ej-es, and features of a feminine cast. He had all 
the air, too, of a superior man, and of one "born to command."' 

At the hard-fought battle which ensued at San Antonio de Bexar, he was 



LIFE OF COL. TUGS. WM. WARD. 161 

captain of artillery. lie served in the first division, under the gallant Milam. 
Here he lost his right leg, by a cannon-shot from the enemy. A rifle-ball, at an 
early period of this prolonged engagement, laid poor Milam low. The remains 
of the one hero, -with part of the other, were placed in the same grave, as soon as 
the army had leisure to bestow upon them appropriate military honors. Though 
disabled for a short time, Ward was not at all disheartened by his serious loss. 
He rode upon a side-saddle to the sea-eoast and took passage for New Orleans, 
where he exhibited astonishing energy and indomitable perseverance, even while 
constrained to use crutches. He raised a regiment of volunteers, and served 
with them under the estimable Gen. Thos. J. Rusk, recently deceased while a mem- 
ber of the Senate of the United States. He subsequently lost his right arm. There 
are few men whom this alone would not have laid aside from active exercise and 
public duties for the rest of life. But the destruction of both limbs failed to im- 
pair the energies of Colonel Ward. He substituted an artificial for his natural 
leg. AVith this he walks so well that scarcely any one would perceive a defect in 
his gait, unless it were pointed out. Ho rides on horseback with perfect ease, and 
controls the most spirited steed without difficulty. He obtained, with the left 
hand, very soon after the loss of his right arm, the complete mastery of his pen, 
and writes a beautiful back-hand. He has a remarkable dexterity in the use of fire- 
arms of all kinds, which he acquired when a resident of the frontier of Texas, 
when the Indians were hostile. He has felt so little inconvenience arising from 
the loss of his limbs, that he has never disobeyed the call of duty whenever the 
interests of his country demanded his services. 

Colonel Ward was no less fitted for civil than for railitarj- life. His talents have 
been directed in a variety of channels, in all of which he has been as successful as 
he was in the army. 

On his return from New Orleans, his mechanical genius was called into play. 
The city of Houston was then the seat of Government. lie took the contract for 
the erection of the Capitol in it. This was no small undertaking in a new coun- 
try entirely destitute of ordinary facilities. At that date Houston might have 
been described as being in the wilds, mechanics were few in Texas, and travelling 
was difficult. The building contains twenty-two rooms ; yet, notwithstanding 
every obstacle, in fourteen days from the moment when the first timber was set up 
the building was so far advanced as to be ready for occupancy. On the 16th day 
of April the erection commenced, and on the 1st day of May both Houses of 
Congress were seated in their respective halls, which were fitted up and furnished 
for business, and the eloquent message of the President was read within its walls. 
Thus was a feat accomplished by Colonel Wanl, unprecedented, and not yet 
equalled by any architect in a Southern country. It indicates what skill, united 
witli energy and unboumied resolution, may accomplish, even when surrounded 
by almost insuperable difficulties. 

In IS41, he was appointed Commissioner of the General Land-Office of Texas, 
by the Hon. David O. Burnet, Vice-President, then acting as President ex officio. 



162 LIFE OF COL. THOS. WM. WARD. 

He was subsequently nominated by General Sam Houston. This nomination was 
not agreeable to some members of his Cabinet, who were anxious to place a favor- 
ite and talented son of South Carolina at the head of this important Department. 
The fact that Colonel Ward had been the fast and undeviating friend of the late 
Stephen F. Austin was referred to ; threats and entreaties were employed to change 
the mind of the President, but all was in vain. The latter, knowing well the 
superior qualifications of the colonel, remained firm, and persisted in his nomina- 
tion. The appointment was confirmed by the Senate. Colonel Ward, on taking 
charge of the Land-Office, directed his energies to the introduction of sj'stem and order 
into its business. That which is now employed in it is substantially the same 
system which he introduced. This important post he continued to occupy, under 
every administration of the Government, until the Republic was annexed to the 
United States, and subsequently until the year 1S48. Not one of the decisions 
which he gave while acting as Commissioner of the General Land-Office has been 
reversed by the Supreme Court. 

In 1850, Governor Bell appointed him Commissioner for the issuing of Cer- 
tificates to the Colonists of Peters' Colony. The reports which he made to the 
Heads of Departments, while discharging the responsibilities of this important 
trust, evince the admirable manner in which he performed his duty. 

In A.D. 1853, he received the appointment of consul at Panama. He felt en- 
couraged to accept it by the very flattering promises of oversight and protec- 
tion to American citizens abroad made by the President of the United States, 
who declared that " so long as an American citizen abroad can see the stars and 
stripes, so truly shall he be protected by his Government." No spot on which 
the foot of an American ever treads has had more need of the fulfilment of the 
pi'omises alluded to than Panama; for nowhere ai"e his life and property less safe. 
In such a place the consulate must have been one of great difficulty and danger. 
The inhabitants, a mongrel Spanish race, had for some years made their living 
principally upon the spoils taken from American travellers. Their cupidity was 
so great that they were not content with the enormous exaction of a tax of two 
dollars upon every person who crossed the Isthmus, and the exorbitant rents and 
high charges for provisions, labor, ifec, but watched the highway, and plundered 
and murdered without remorse. Colonel Ward discharged his duty among them 
zealously and faithfully, and endeavored in every way to promote the interests 
and secure the lives of his countrymen. la some instances success crowned his 
eflTorts. He stopped the payment of capitation-tax, and of every other kind of 
tax which had been imposed with injustice toward Americans. 

On the 15th of April, 1856, a number of passengers on their way to and from 
California were wantonly attacked by the natives of the Isthmus, and the latter 
were even encouraged by the Governor and his police. There being no armed 
force belonging to the United States on the ground nor within reach, which could 
be of any use, the con.sul had not the necessary means of protection. The Ame- 
ricans were for the most part unarmed, and were very few in number compared 



LIFE OF COL. TIIOS. WM. WARD. 163 

with tlieir enemies. The scenes of that night were bloody and fienrlish in the 
extreme. American men, women and children were murdered in the most barba- 
rous manner : thej' were beaten, stabbed, shot and mangled ; women were treated 
iu a way worse than death, and too shocking to describe ; pockets and trunks 
were rifled of every thing, and other property was destroyed. While these 
things were taking place, and the air thick with flying bullets, though not re- 
quired by his office to expose his person, Colonel Ward, regardless of consequences, 
and with a dauntlessncss of spirit known only to the bravest of men, mounted his 
horse and rode into the midst of danger. For hours he was to be seen in all di- 
rections, sometimes on horseback, sometimes on foot, using his best efforts with the 
Governor and others to put a stop to the riot. His presence and exertion saved 
the lives of many who would otherwise have perished. His horse was shot in 
nine places, and his Secretarj' badly wounded ; but the consul himself was un- 
touched. For the manner in which he conducted himself on that trying and 
difficult occasion, he subsequently received from his Government a letter com- 
plimenting the "prudence, energj' and firmness" which he displayed. The follow- 
ing is a copy : — 

Department of State, | 
Washington, May 3d, 1856. J 

Thomas William Ward, Esq., United States Consul at Panama. 

Sir: — I have received your despatch of the ISth ult., and various other docu- 
ments relative to the revolting outrages committed upon our citizens, and the de- 
struction and pillage of tlicir propertj-, at Panama, on the night of the 15th ult. I 
am directed by the President to express to 3'ou his approbation of your conduct 
on that trying occasion. It appears to him to have bocn marked with prudence, 
firmness and energy. 

Wm. L. Marcy. 

But the part which Colonel Ward acted out of doors during these events was 
not all. Conceiving it to be important, and anticipating the instructions of his 
Government, which in due time were received, he entered immediately upon the 
examination of witnesses, recording testimony', and assessing the value of the 
property destroyed and stolen. His labor in this respect was the greater on ac- 
count of his Secretary being confined to his room by his wound. It was neces- 
sary that all this should be done very speedily, as, the persons who bore witness 
being chiefly transient, most of them, and those the most important, would soon 
have been out of reach. To accomplish the matter thoroughly and with as much 
despatch as possible, every one that could be obtained, who knew how to write, 
was employed, from among the passengers and others. The employment of these 
persons, together with numerous items of expenditure in the way of hospitality 
and otherwise, which can easily bo conceived and were indispensable under the cir- 
cumsianees, must have occasioned to the consul very considerable outlay, to the 
refunding of which he is justly entitled from the National Treasury for such im- 



164 LIFE OF COL. THOS. AVM. WARD. 

portant national service. By the course which he pursued, he was enabled to put 
into the hands of the Government a mass of valuaMe testimony, which he for- 
warded without delay. 

Not only did he manifest during these scenes the qualities already alluded to, to 
which might be added promptness, forethought and business tact, but likewise, in his 
communications to his Government, and in private interviews with its officials, he 
exhibited much sagacity and foresight. The importance of affording more means 
than have as yet been furnished for the protection of American citizens at Panama 
was apparent to him. He foresaw that, notwithstanding all that they had suf- 
fered from time to time already in crossing the Isthmus, still greater troubles 
awaited them; and therefore he failed not to call the attention of the Government 
at Washington repeatedly to the terrible events which Avere casting their shadows 
before them. He begged of them to station a ship-of-war at Panama. In a per- 
sonal interview with the Secretary of the Navj^, at the time of the opening of the 
railroad, he urged upon him the necessity of sending ships- of-war to the Isthmus, 
so confident was he of the danger which threatened, pointed out the advantages 
that would accrue from so doing, and recommended that the naval store-ship 
should be kept there rather than at Valparaiso, and that the crews and provisions 
destined for the United States ships-of-war in the Pacific should be sent across the 
Isthmus instead of by way of Cape Horn, Had President Pierce's beautiful in- 
augural promises been fulfilled, and the advices and entreaties of the consul heark- 
ened to, the scenes of the 15th of April would, in all probability, never have been 
enacted, lives and property now lost would have been saved, and accessions would 
have been made to the greatness and glory of the American name and nation. 

The health of the consul having sufi"ered from the excessive warmth of climate 
and humidity of the atmosphere of the Isthmus, he had begun to entertain seri- 
ously the thought of returning soon to the United States, when a difference of 
opinion between him and Mr. Marcy, Secretary of State, relative to the judgment 
which the former gave in the case of seamen who complained to him of the 
treatment which they had received on board of certain steamers, especially the 
Uncle Sam, belonging to Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, arose, which hastened his pur- 
pose. Being one of the most chivalrous and high-minded of men, neither threats 
could deter nor briber}' allure him from the straight path of duty and honor. He acted 
in strict aocordance with the instructions given to the consul, and with the laws of the 
United States, and therefore proved himself to those poor maltreated seamen " a 
friend in need." The result has shown that he was right, as may be seen by 
reference to the Alta California of August 22d, and the New York Day,-Book of 
December 27th, 1856. 

It must bo gratifying in no small degree to Colonel Ward and his friends to see 
that his course has been fully justified in a decision of Judge Hoffman, one of the 
first lawyers of the United States. The wages ordered by the consul having been 
refused, Campbell and others (seamen) instituted a suit in the United States Dis- 
trict Court, on their return to California, and obtained a decision in their favor. 



LIFE OF THOMAS J. RUSK. 165 

tbc judge dcclai-iiig that the men were entitled to their discharge; and the allega- 
tion that, in doing what by law he was bound to do, he — the consul — was ac- 
tuated by improper motives, is unreasonable in itself, and unsupported by 
truth. 

Austin, the present capital of Texas, is in a beautiful and healthy region. It is 
situated on the Colorado River. The colonel's house, one of the finest in the State, 
is there. It is well known, both by the inhabitants of the place and travellers, 
for its hospitality. It has recently, during the absence of its owner, been 
occupied by the Governor of the State and his family. Of the city of Austin 
Colonel Ward has several times been mayor. No officer has ever been more 
successful in establishing order in any city. He possesses the rare faculty of 
quelling disturbances and producing tranquillity, by his presence and manner, 
which man}' could not accomplish without resorting to force. 

LIFE OF GENERAL THOMAS J. RUSE. 

General Thomas J. Rusk was a gentleman whom the whole American nation 
looked upon as one of the most reliable of public men, and of whose position and 
influence in the Senate of the United States Texas may justly be proud. He 
was celebrated for the reasoning-ability displayed in all his speeches, which 
were ever listened to with marked attention, and had their due weight. Modestly 
saying little until fully conversant with all the bearings which fit a man to act 
prudently and advantageously in the Senate, when he did begin to act, his action 
had weight. In the passage of the Compromise measures of 1850 he had more 
influence in the Senate than any other man ; and this was so well known, that Mr. 
Fillmore kept in continued consultation with him in the final accomplishment of 
those measures. Mr. Clay, it is well known, after gigantic efforts, failed ; and 
finally thu bill of Mr. Pearce of Maryland was carried, but never could have been 
so without the aid of the Texas delegation in both Houses. This result was secured 
bj' Rusk, who had not merely to express himself unequivocally, and strike like a 
giant of huge power, but had to prop up and encourage other men, who went 
right on the final record, but would not have done so except for his unwearied 
exertions. We know what we say, and are acquainted with the private his- 
tory of the successful accomplishment of those great measures. There was no 
strength to spare ; nor would there have been enough except for Rusk. It is 
doubtful whether Mr. Webster's great speech of March 7th would have been made 
but for Rusk. He felt the risk he took, and, as he feared, it ruined him politically 
at home, while it immortalizes his mcmorj-. He had to be encouraged to take tho 
step; and he was very intimate with Rusk, and confided more in his judgment 
than iu that of any one else. We need that judgment and influence now in the 
passage of the Pacific Railroad act, which must come up next session, and will be 
provided for. Yes; we need Rusk's influence to help to give it a right direction. 



166 LIFE OF THOMAS J. RUSK. 

"We shall not supply his place -in power to serve us, nor come near it. He had a 
strength, the result of years of trial and confidence, which no new man can 
have. 

General Rusk was a native of South Carolina, but emigrated to Texas in 1834, 
and at the time of his death was fifty-six years of age. He was in the Grass fight 
in 1835; he was a member of the convention which declared the Independence 
and framed the Constitution of the Republic of Texas; he was the first Secretary 
of War of the Republic of Texas, and distinguished himself at San Jacinto, being 
the only member of the Government who was with the army. He led in a 
dangerous fight with the Kiokapoos on the northern frontier, before any of the pre- 
sent settlements on the Upper Trinity were formed. He took command of the army 
in the fall of 1836, calling for volunteers when an invasion was reported, and re- 
maining there until the meeting of the first Congress, of which he was a member. He 
was elected Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. Then he commanded 
in the campaign against the Cherokees, and after their defeat drove several small 
predatory tribes out of the State. Then he took command of an expedition from 
Red River against the Indians, in 1838. Subsequently he pi-actised his profession. 
Being at Clarksville Court, when the people of Red River county were taking 
measures to express public opinion in favor of annexation to the Union, in which 
he felt much interest, he took an active part in their deliberations. When annexa- 
tion was consummated, he was chosen one of our first Senators in the Congress of 
the United States, — as we believe, unanimously. 

General Rusk was emphatically a modest man. Ofiices and honors were unsought 
by him, and were conferred on him by the Texian people as a mark of their high 
appreciation of his talent and integrity. 

In 1836, when General Houston was first elected, strong efi'ortswere made by the 
army to get Rusk to be a candidate ; but he said he was not quite of the age required 
by the Constitution, and, besides, was too poor. It will be recollected that the army 
■was then strong enough to elect its candidate. When Gen. Houston next ran, against 
Judge Burnet, a strong appeal was sent to Rusk, from the West, to become a candi- 
date. He could easily have been elected, but declined again, on the plea of poverty. 
In 1842, when the Congress of Texas determined, after the invasion of WoU, to re- 
new actively the war with Mexico, Rusk was made major-general commanding 
or perhaps had been elected by a vote of the people. At all events, he was looked 
to as the commander to head the people of Texas, and took some initiatory steps, 
authorizing the raising of men, &c. The management of President Houston, in 
frustrating while appearing to go with the movement, caused it all to end with the 
unfortunate Mier Expedition. 

At Washington he had the same popularity as at home. On familiar terms with 
all, the high and the humble, he could divert himself in the intervals of public 
care and labor by a talk with Beau Hickman or any other odd genius who came 
in his way. Never letting himself down, he had no atToctatiou of dignified im- 
portance, and was accessible to all, having learned, by intercourse with the various 



LIFE OF THOMAS J. FvUSK. 167 

orders of niinil, that iVdin men even in tlio Inmiblcst station something of prac- 
tical importance may be learned. It was his practice to converse with men of all 
classes, and he received in return the affections of all. His was no brilliant mind 
startling and astonishing the listener, but one capable of great usefulness, by plain 
direct moans, and cminentlj' prudent, trustworthy, and inspiring confidence from 
others. He might have had the Vice-Presidency when Mr. King got it ; but he did not 
desire it. He was biding his time, and that would have arrived in four years. But 
he valued it all as naught, compared with the happiness of heart and home ; and 
suddenly, careless of all worldly honor, he has plunged into futurity, in search 
of the lost heart which had been his, and wliose departure had left him lone and 
sad. 

In 1856, General Rusk lost his wife, who had shared with him the toils of 
life, and whom he had hoped to carry by his side through its pleasant paths ; but 
she sunk away into the dark grave, while he, far from her, was playing an honored 
part iu the councils of the nation. He had uot the privilege of closing her 
eyes and listening to her last words of endearment : but he received, suddenly as the 
lightning strikes an oak upon a high peak, a brief telegraphic notice that she was 
dead, and that the flowers of life had blackened to his gaze, by a sudden, scorch- 
ing, fierce, destroying blast, and that the poetry of life had all faded out in an in- 
stant. Thus in the future was all dark before him. Fifty-six revolutions of the 
seasons had passed by him, and fixed his hopes and his affections: he was no child, 
to forget one source of enjoyment and turn with the zest of novelty to a new 
and untried joy. In his future all was dim, because, however bright the visual 
prospect, there was no associated sympathy, without which a high order of enjoy- 
ment is impossible. She whose acceptance and approval made all his honors 
appreciable, she whose smile, ever bright, through dark hours and light, gladdened 
his heart, increased his determination and mellowed his happiness with a golden 
haze, had vanished from the bright earth ; and thenceforth all was dark to him, with 
no pleasant rays slanting across its gloom and relieving its aspect. Time boro 
heavily upon him since his bereavement, and at his last visit to his homestead he 
was atUicted with a serious spell of sickness. Recovering slowly from this, 
enfeebled in body and heavy of heart, there came a tumor upon his neck, which 
probably afifected the brain and led to his death. 

He died at Nacogdoches on the .'lOth day of July, 1857. In his death not alone 
Texas has met with a great loss, but the whole Union. In the ordinary rotation, 
the South is doubly entitled to the Presidency next term, if the Democratic party 
of the Union can give it to her. Rusk would inevitably and readily have com- 
manded the nomination, and his presentation as our candidate would have gone 
far to insure success. We have no man now who can fill his place as a candidate 
for the Presidency, — no man who combines his elements of strength, lie had the 
confidence of the Democracy everywhere. He had a popularity in Northern com- 
mercial communities which no other Southern man has. Those who wish well to 
the Union will ever mourn his death. 



168 LIFE OF FKANCIS R. LUBBOCK, LIEUT. GOVERNOR. 

LIFE OF FKAWrClS R. LUBEOCK, LIEUT. GOVEKKOR. 

Francis R. Lubbock was boru in the town of Beaufort, South Carolina, October 
16th, 1815. His father, Capt. Henry W. Lubbocli, was a native of Georgia. His 
mother was a Miss Susan Ann Saltus, daughter of Francis Saltus, who lived for 
many years and died on his plantation, known as Gardner's Corner, in Beaufort 
district. South Carolina. His father died in 1828, in Savannah, Georgia, leaving 
five sons and two daughters, — Frank being the oldest son, and then only thirteen 
years of age. In the year following, through the exertions mainly of Gen. James 
Hamilton, a warrant was procured for Frank to enter as cadet at AVest Point ; but 
the kind-hearted boy, believing that the intei'ests of his mother, brothers and 
sisters would be more immediately advanced by his engaging in active business, 
entered as clerk in a hardware-store in the city of Charleston. At about seventeen 
he removed to the town of Hamburg, South Carolina, where he was engaged as a 
clerk for a short time. From thence, in 1834, he went to the city of New Orleans, 
where he remained about two years, during which time, being an ardent advocate 
of early marriages, and being fearful of dying an old bachelor, when only nineteen 
years of age he was married to Miss Adela F. Baron, of New Orleans, (a daughter 
of N. A. Baron, Jr. and his wife Laura Briuger,) a young lady of sweet sixteen, on 
the 5th day of February, 1835. 

In the fall of 1835, when Texas was struggling for independence, he took an 
active and eflScient stand in her behalf. His younger brother, Tom Lubbock, was 
then living with him in the city of New Orleans. He was at that time not seventeen 
years of age, and was one of the first volunteers who entered his name as a mem- 
ber of the New Orleans Greys for service in Texas, Frank approving and second- 
ing his feelings of patriotism, and expressing a willingness for him to go. Tom 
did go, — was at the storming of Bexar, and has been ever since a citizen and soldier 
of Texas. In October, 1836, Frank, desirous of seeing his young brother, and of 
knowing for himself the character and spirit of the Texians, whose valiant deeds were 
winning the admiration of the world, visited the countrj'. He was so well pleased, 
that, after a short stay, he returned to New Orleans for his wife, and in December 
of the same year he landed here with her, and they have ever since resided in 
Texas. In January, 1837, he settled in the city of Houston, and was one of the 
first to put up a house on the town-tract. 

At the session of the Congress of the Republic in 1837-38 he was elected 
Assistant, and subsequently Chief, Clerk of the House of Representatives. Shortly 
after his election as clerk. Gov. E. M. Pease, then Comptroller, resigned, and Frank 
was appointed by President Houston to fill the vacancy. While Comptroller, a 
call was made for volunteers to protect the frontier against the Indians, and the 
Milam Guards, a volunteer company of which Frank was a member, tendered their 
services to the Republic. Other companies also were raised; and the expedition 
known as the Bonnell Expedition, of which Frank was the adjutant, started upon 
its mission. During the progress of the expedition, Gen. Lamar was inaugurated 
as President, and a new Cabinet was formed, including, of course, a new Comp- 



LIFE OP FRAXCrS R. LUBBOCK, LIEUT. GOVERNOR. 169 

trollcr. Frank went out of the office with the good will of the whole Republic, 
having discharged the duties of the position with faithfulness and ability. During 
the years 1839-40 ho was engaged in fanning, and in the commission-business with 
our present mail-agent, James W. Scott. In February, 1841, he was elected clerk 
of the District Court for Harris county, and has held the office ever since, having 
been six times chosen by the people of that county. 

Upon Gen. Houston's second election to the Presidency, he was again appointed 
Comptroller, but after a brief stay in Austin he resigned the office and returned to 
his stock-farm, (some seven miles below Houston,) where he has since devoted a con- 
siderable portion of his time to the care and improvement of his cattle and horses 
and the introduction of Shanghae chickens. Of the latter "animal" he has some 
extraordinarj' specimens, of the genuine Democratic breed; and they ahvaj's crow 
AFTER an election, provideil the result is congenial to their feelings. Few persons 
in Texas have paid more attention to the breeding of poultry than Frank R. Lub- 
bock ; and, as ho is considered first-rate authority on such subjects, we cannot 
refrain from inserting here part of his remarks on this subject, which we copy 
from an old letter of his to us : — 

" Chickens of all descriptions do well in Texas, as well as all other descriptions of 
poultry. Although the introduction of the Asiatic breeds of fowls in this country 
has been considered one of the humbugs of the day, I feel that such introduction 
has been highly advantageous. My experience teaches me that the larger descrip- 
tion of fowls is more easily raised than that of the common barn-yard kind. I, 
however, prefer the Dominique, Shanghae and Brahma-Pootras, as they appear 
the most haTdy, are prolific layers and excellent mothers. It requires as good 
judgment in the selection of fowls as that of any other stock : care should be 
taken in selecting them of good form, and by all means short legs and broad backs. 
Many complain that the large fowls are always lame: this is attributable in a great 
measure to want of care in providing them with proper perches, which ought in 
no instance to be at a greater height than eighteen inches from the ground. By 
attention to this point you will seldom find your fowls lame." 

lie was Secretary of the Democratic State Convention of January, 1856, and was 
urged to go before that body as a candidate for Comptroller, but positively refused, 
and advocated the nomination of James B. Shaw. He was appointed Elector for 
the Seventh Judicial District in the last Presidential campaign, and canvassed the 
entire district assigned him. 

His name was first mentioned in connection with the office of Lieutenant-Governor 
last February, by his friends, without any previous consultation with him. He 
made no exertion whatever to secure the nomination, but on the first ballot he had 
within two votes of two-thirds of the whole number, and was then declared the 
nominee by acclamation. He accepted this nomination, and was elected by a ma- 
jority of nearly ten thousand votes. 

Frank Lubbock has made hims'elf. He never attended school after the age of 
thirteen, and of course has not a " finished education;" but he has studied men and 

8 



170 LIFE OF BRANCH T. ARCHER. 

things in practical life, and has an almost intuitive perception of their merits. Ho 
observes closely and investigates patiently, and his opinions, once formed, are 
openly and freely avowed. His politics have always been Democratic. He has 
ever taken a lively interest in public affairs, but has never before presented himself 
as a candidate for any office bej'ond the limits of his own countj', notwithstanding 
the frequent and urgent solicitations of his friends to do so. 

Of Frank Lubbock's qualities as a private individual — of his domestic attach- 
ments and social relations, of his noble disposition and generosity of character — it is 
needless for us to speak. All who know him appreciate him, from the Red River to 
the Gulf. He is emphatically a Texian, an old Tesian, (though yet in the vigor of 
manhood,) and has devoted himself from early youth to the interests of Texas, 
first as a feeble colony striving to bo free, then as a Republic among the nations, 
and since as a State of the Federal Union. There is no man more thoroughly 
identified with the whole of Texas, from its infancy to the present time, than 
Frank Lubbock. And we venture to assert that no, man has ever been more 
unanimously called by the people of Texas to a high ofiicial position than Mr. 
Lubbock was at the last August election. To see the man is to respect him ; and 
to know him well is to love him. 

BRANCH T. ARCHER, 

Familiarly known as the Father of the Texas Revolution, was a native of Pow- 
hatan county, Virginia. He was the son and grandson of two distinguished 
heroes, of his name, of the Revolutionary War. He was for many years a leading 
member of the Virginia Legislature, and filled many other offices of trust and honor 
in his native State, and always with signal credit to himself. He commanded, in 
the war of 1812, one of the most efficient cavalry-corps from his section. 

In 1830, he emigrated to Texas, with the avowed purpose of revolutionizing that 
country and bringing her back to the bosom of her kindred, from whom he always 
believed she had been most unjustly and unconstitutionally severed. 

On the 16th of December, 1831, at a public meeting of the citizens of Austin's 
Colony, assembled in the town of Brazoria, with perhaps not more than two or 
three others to back him, he was the first man in that country bold enough 
to preach openly the doctrine of liberty and disenthralment from Mexico. The 
ball thus put in motion with a temerity which awed the passive multitude of that 
new community continued to roll, and gathered in its course a small number of 
bold men, who, however, did then as such spirits ever will, — exerted a final influence 
over the opinions and decisions of the majority. Dr. Archer was always foremost 
in this measure, which in a few years has grown to be the great political question 
of the age. 

Even at this early period he seems to have foreseen the necessity of the ultimate 
separation of Texas from the nominal republic of Mexico, and boldly declared his 



LIFE OF AB>iEIl S. LIBSCOMB. 171 

sentiments to that effect on all proper occasions. lie took up his rcsiclcnco at 
the town of Columbia, Brazoria count}', near the dotnicil of Mr. Josiali II. Bell, 
one of the most universally-esteemed citizens of Texas. In 1832, he was the 
zealous advocate of the attack on the Mexican fortification at Velasco. This 
attack was made by the citizens of Brazoria, commanded by Capt. John Austin, 
who finally compelled Col. Ugartachea, in command of the fortress, to capitulate. 

Witli an eloijucnce in good keeping with his personal and moral firmness, we 
find him before the walls of San Antonio in 1S;'.5, urging his fellow-citizens to 
charge the enemy. Then we seo him presiiling over the first republican Conven- 
tion of ihe people; then, in 1836, wo listen with wonder and delight to his spirit- 
stirring appeals to the citizens of the United States, in companj-, as co-commissioner, 
with the lamented Generals Austin and Wharton, invoking aid to a cause in which 
they were sworn to succeed or perish; then we find him the first Speaker of the 
first constituted Congress, and subsequently the fearless and able Secretary of 
War and Navy under President Lamar. All these stations he filled with a patriotic 
singleness of purpose, a dignity of manner and a chivalry of character which uni- 
versally won for him in Texas the enviable appellation of the '•' Old Roman." 

In private life Dr. Archer was celebrated for a generosity, a trusting charity, — 
a charity that receives slowly and dismisses joyfully all unkind surmises. He 
was never known to inflict a needless wound, or to hear with pleasure, much les8 
disseminate, a scandal; never even accused of the slightest approach to an un- 
gracious word or act to a woman, old age or helpless childhood; and his worst 
enem}- would not hesitate to place life, fortune or honor in the keeping of his lofty 
integrity. In these points, as well as in his unflinching, almost tender, attachment 
to his friends under all trials and changes, in his rash courage, in his prompt and 
fiery resentments, in his stubborn Southei-n prejudices against interference with 
local rights, and in the daring, almost radical, breadth of his republicanism, he 
was second to no man south of Mason and Dixon's line. He died on the 22d of 
September, 1856, at the residence of Mrs. Wm. IL Wharton, near Velasco, aged 
63 j'ears. 

JUDGE ABNER S. LIBSCOMB. 

Judge Libscomb was a native of the State of South Carolina, where he was born in 
1789. lie studied law under the late John C. Callioun. From South Carolina ho 
emigrated to the State of Alabama some time previous to 1818, — for in that year we 
find that he was a member of the Territorial Legislature of that State. In 1820, 
while the system prevailed in the State of Alabama that the District Judges'-wero 
Judges of the Supreme Court, ho was elevated to the bench, and in 1821 ho was 
raised to the dignified station of Chief-Justico of the Supreme Court, which position 
he held as long as that system was retained ; but in 1830 this system of judicature 
was changed, a new one organized, and he was still retained as the Chief-Justice, 
a high compliment to his capacity and integrity. In this high ti'ust he continued 



172 LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 

for many years, discharging its onerous and responsible duties with marked ability. 
Upon resigning the office of Chief-Justice, he represented the Mobile district in the 
Legislature for one term, but soon after — some time in 1838 — emigrated with his 
family to the then Republic of Texas. 

It was not likely jthat a man of his character and talents would remain long 
without being called into the service of his country ; and soon after Gen. M. B. 
Lamar invited him to a seat in his Cabinet, and he filled the office of Secretary of 
State, to the close of his administration, with marked ability. 

He then settled in Washington county, and practised his profession with great 
success until the j'car 1845, when he was elected from that county as a member of 
the convention to frame our present State Constitution, which body was composed 
of some of the most prominent, iufluentiiil and talented men of the late Republic; 
and it is no small praise to say that Libscomb was a highly useful and influential 
member of a body that could boast as its members such men as Rusk, Pease, 
Hemphill, &c. In 1846, Governor J. P. Henderson appointed him one of the 
Judges of the Supreme Court. Of his services in that capacity, of his character for 
lofty integrity and pvirity of purpose, of his reputation as an honest man, a good 
citizen and able jurist, no better evidence can be adduced than the fact that when 
the Constitution was altered so as to permit the people to elect the Judges of the 
Supremo Court, in the year 1852 he was elected by a large majority, and again in 
1856. AVhen the salary attached to this office was raised from two thousand to three 
thousand dollars per annum, and the whole Bench resigned, he and his associates 
were re-elected with great unanimity for the constitutional term of six years ; but, 
alas ! before he had served one year of the term of office he was elected for, he died in 
the midst of his usefulness and upon the very field of his labor. Ilis earthly task is 
finished ; and he now sleeps the sleep of death by the side of the patriot Burleson, 
on the lonely height assigned as the last resting-place of the distinguished dead. 



LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 

Gen. Edward Burleson was born in Buncombe county. North Carolina, in the 
year 1798 : he subsequently resided in Tipton county, Tennessee, from which place 
he emigrated to Texas in May, 1831. From the date of his arrival in Texas, to the 
hour of his death, the history of Edward Burleson is the history of Texas. There 
is no page of her annals which does not register his name. There is no event in 
her progress in which he was not either a leader or an active participant. 

Intimately connected with the darkest and the brightest hours of her destiny 
he emerged from the darkness with no cloud upon his fame; he has basked in the 
full noontide of her prosperity — a prosperity which he as much as any other man 
contributed to bring about — with no selfish feelings of triumph or elevation, except 
for his country. From a thousand triumphs he has come forth unscathed and 
pure: with military glory sufficient to have turned the heads of a dozen modern 
heroes, he retained in his heart to the day of his death the simplicity of a child. 

He was one of the first who took up arms in the cause of Texas when the 



LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 173 

shackles of Mexican tyranny became too gallinj;, and the first roar of the cannon 
fired at Gonzale.s, the Lexington of Texas, came boomin;^ over our western prairies. 
He immediately and earnestly took upon himst-lf the task of organizing the volun- 
teer army that commenced assembling at that point: this he found no easy task, on 
account of the disinclination that is always felt by volunteers to submit to any 
thing like military restraint. Through his exertions, and the cflforts of other influ- 
ential co-patriots, something like discipline was being established, when all his 
efforts were nearly frustrated bj' dissensions which sprang up as to who should 
command. 

In this crisis, entirely forgetful of himself, and mindful only of the interests of his 
country, he, in conjunction with others, despatched an express to San Felipe de 
Austin, with an earnest appeal to Stephen F. Austin, who was then chairman of the 
Central Committee of Safety, to hasten to the camp and take command of the army, 
Altliough broken down by disease contracted in the dungeons of Mexico, Austin im- 
mediately obeyed the summons. Upon his arrival at the camp, the good and the 
great Austin was chosen by acclamation commander-in-chief; and, in consideration 
of the important service that General Burleson had rendered in the protection of 
the frontier against the inroads of the savages, and the many proofs he had given 
of his capacity for military command, Burleson was at once, by nearly the unani- 
mous voice of the people, placed in the elevated and responsible position of colonel, 
commanding the first regiment of Texas, which was a position second only to that 
filled by Gen. Austin. He was in command when the brave and chivalrous Milam 
stormed the city of San Antonio, the stronghold of the Mexicans, with less than 
three hundred men, every one of whom deserved the name of hero ; for Burleson, 
in consequence of the necessary attendance of Gen. Austin as a member of the 
Consultation, then assembled at San Felipe, was left in command of the army, and 
consequently the investment of Bexar devolved upon him. What a position to 
occupy ! Great indeed was the responsibility that rested upon him : it was his pro- 
vince to curb the headstrong, to assure the weak and to endeavor to unite the dis- 
cordant spirits thrown together from every section of the State who were under his 
command; while sleepless vigilance was necessary to enable him, with far inferior 
numbers, to baffle and frustrate the manoeuvres of the watchful enemy, composed 
as they were of the flower of the Mexican army. 

At this period the situation of the rebels, as they were regarded by their 
would-be Mexican masters, was not the most flattering ; for, turning our eyes to 
the westward, we saw Ugartachea with his troops fortified within the limits of the 
city of San Antonio, while Gen. Cos was hovering over the plains with his legion of 
semi-barbarians; still farther west we could see, although dim and distant, 
that despot, Santa Anna, with his countless hordes, who knew no mercy and were 
strangers to those finer feelings which, among all civilized nations, show that, al- 
though while in battle they struggle manfully for victorj', when the excite- 
ment of the fight is over they are not forgetful that those whom the fortunes 
of war have placed in their power are their fellow-creatures. But no ! with Santa 



174 LIFE OP GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 

Anna it was different : he knew no mercy, and was a stranger to every feeling 
that should warm the heart of a valiant general. He was ever ready to spread deso- 
lation over the land that he conquered, and to allow his soldiers an unlicensed 
liberty that would degrade the most barbarous nations. 

When we looked to the east, what picture presented itself to our view ? The 
trembling mother straining the unconscious babe to her agitated bosom, and shiver- 
ing with apprehension at the thought of what might yet be in store for them ; while 
gloom and apprehension filled the breasts of the sterner sex. AVhat obstacle inter- 
posed to prevent the rushing on of those mighty hosts to the easy conquest that 
awaited them? AVhy was their march delaj^ed? Burleson, with his handful of 
brave and determined spirits, was in their path ; and they knew well that rivers 
of blood must flow and their ranks be thinned by carnage ere they could pass 
onward. 

Many anxious eyes were turned upon this handful of men and their gallant leader ; 
many a heart was strained to its full tension with anxiety to learn the fate of this 
little band in the far-off wilderness. But the difficulties of position were met and 
overcome. Victory perched upon his standard ; hope revived in every heart. Joy 
assumed the place of gloom; and every Texian rejoiced that Burleson and his 
band of Spartan heroes were victorious. But we will not attempt to depict the 
scenes through which he passed during this eventful and glorious period : suffice it 
to say that Burleson proved to the world that he was a consistent patriot and 
a valorous and successful hero. His presence and example", as well as his active 
participation in the Grass fight, contributed in no small degree to sustain the firm- 
ness and stimulate the courage of his fellow-soldiers. 

After performing prodigies of valor and restraining San Antonio for some time, 
the Texian army, then under the gallant Travis, had to succumb to superior num- 
bers ; for Santa Anna had concentrated a force of between eight and ten thousand, 
while Travis had under his command only four hundred men, and the Alamo fell 
once more into the hands of the Mexicans. The fall of the Alamo will long be re- 
membered. It was then that those horrors that were anticipated were enacted, the 
cruel and brutal treatment extended to all which was described by Mrs. Dickinson, 
the wife of Captain Almeron Dickinson, and a negro belonging to Colonel Travis, 
who were the only survivors of the fall of the Alamo. The description of the 
usage of the prisoners by their conquerors as detailed bj' Mrs. Dickinson, a most 
beautiful, lovely woman, was indeed horrible : how she ever survived the infamous 
treatment received from those worse than Vandals is a mysterj'. This lady is yet 
living, a monument of the times which tried men's souls. 

In the spring of the following year General Burleson was again called to the 
field to meet General Santa Anna, General Sam Houston having in the mean time 
been appointed to the chief command. These master-spirits of the age met at Gon- 
zales and commenced the organization of that devoted band who had there agreed 
to dispute the passage with the proud conqueror of Mexico. The Alamo had 
fallen; Travis and his noble baud had there built the funeral-pile of Mexican 



LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 175 

tyranny in Texas, and upon it tbey had offered up tlicir lives as a sacrifice to the 
freedom of their country. This blow struck terror into the hearts of the stoutest: 
all Te.\as was in mourning, and, with the massacre of Fannin and the fall 
of the Alamo, hope had almost deserted the breasts of our soldiers. It was then 
that Burleson, Houston and their associates felt that deep sickening of the soul 
which none can feel but those who have long cherished some darling project, that 
they felt convinced would be of incalculable benefit to their fellow-creatures, and 
in a single moment find all their exertions of no avail and that the fates are 
against them. This horrible feeling was indeed experienced to its fullest extent 
by these men. But what will not a detormined will accomplish when exercised in 
a just and a glorious cause ? The black night of reverse was but the diirkcst hour 
before day : the sun of Texian victory had not set, but had only for a short 
time been obscured by a cloud. It soon shone again triumphant, and victory once 
more perched upon the standard of our valorous general; for although the storm 
of war had swept over our country and the West had been rendered desolate, and 
the hand of the destroyer had carried death and desolation beyo4id the Brazos 
River, j-ea, even to the very banks of the San Jacinto, we find him in the army 
of his countrymen still battling for that glorious Liberty and Independence that 
actuated every Texian at this momentous period. Although at this time General 
Sam Houston was commander-in-chief of the army, like a true and trusty soldier 
Burleson showed to his men the bright example of a strict obedience to military 
rule, and obeyed with alacrity the orders of those who were in command. And Gen. 
Burleson played no inconsiderable part in the grand drama of the battle of San 
Jacinto, the crowning act that sealed the independence of Texas. We cannot 
refrain from devoting considerable space to our views on that great, important and 
decisive battle. 

From an intercepted courier of the enemy, information was received that Santa 
Anna was encamped near Harrisburg, thej' having burned that cit}-. Men 
now became so eager to fight that General Houston found that the time had 
arrived to strike the decisive blow; forno difficulty could now withstand the pent- 
up ardor of our gallant band. Water and fire combined could scarcely have 
deterred them then. The whole army crossed, but, on arriving at Santa Anna's 
camp, found that he had set out for the junction of San Jacinto and Buflalo Bayou; 
and, lest he should get in the advance, the army continued their march all night, 
and a short time before day they rested on their arms. At daybreak the march 
was resumed ; and, after marching some distance, they commenced makin^ some 
preparations for breakfast. But, learning that Santa Anna was pushing on to the 
ferry, they immediately swallowed their breakfast, seized their arms and hastened on. 
They had just fairly struck camp when Santa Anna came up and (to do him justice, 
as a soldier ought) in a gallant qjauner opened a smart fire with his artillerj'. We 
promptly replied, when, finding wc were likely to gain the advantage, he withdrew 
his forces to the adjacent bank of the San Jacinto, — one wing of his army being 
thu3 protected and the other stretching out into the prairie, — and commenced for 



176 LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 

tifyiiig hiraself about one mile from our camp. We now made some prepara- 
tions for talking refreshment, (for the first time since leaving the upper encamp- 
ment near Harrisburg.) Some time during the day. General Sherman was sent 
out, — as we understand, bj^ order of General Houston, — to bring on an engagement. 
Seeing him under a heavy fire, and receiving no orders from General Houston to 
go to his support, Captain Jesse Billingsly led out the first company of the first 
regiment, to which he belonged, and was immediately followed by the entire regi- 
ment, under command of its gallant leadei", Colonel Burleson. On passing the 
place where General Houston and his aide-de-camp were standing, they were or- 
dered to countermarch. But no ! this could not be : they saw that the gallant Sher- 
man and those under his command must be supported, or they would be cut up. So, 
disobeying this order, they steadily held on their way to the support of Colonel 
Sherman, and succeeded in driving the enemy behind their breast-works. Gen. 
Houston, however, kept back the second regiment, and thus prevented the bring- 
ing on of a general engagement, which, in the then state of things, would have been 
synonymous with victory. Finding themselves unsupported, they deemed it prudent 
to return to their camp for better concert of action. 

During that night, Santa Anna was reinforced by Colonel Cos's division, as we 
learned carlj' next day. As the day wore on. General Houston called a council 
of war. After finding all the men determined to . fight, he repeatedly asked 
Col. Buideson if he could depend upon them. The colonel again and again assured 
him that he knew his men, and that they would fight. At last, losing patience at 
the repeated insinuations as to the courage of his gallant regiment, he emphati- 
cally declared that if there was a coward in his regiment he would shoot him 
down. General Houston, however, still continued to assert that raw militia like 
ours could not be depended on in an engagement with such regular and well-dis- 
ciplined soldiers as Santa Anna commanded. But, finding the officers and men all 
determined to fight, he finally piroposed to build a floating bridge across the stream, 
in order to retreat, if necessary. No idea could be more repugnant to the men 
than that of retreating or preparing in any way for a retreat; for well they knew the 
ruthless and merciless foe they had to deal with, and they were fully determined 
to cut their way through the enemy, — to conquer or to die. The day was wearing 
apace ; the men were growing more and more excited ; Jesse Eilliugsly, in his 
eapacit}' of officer in charge of the guard, finding that he was likely to receive no 
order from General Houston to dismiss the various guards in order that they 
might join their companies and prepare for the coming strife, on his own au- 
thoritj', and in consequence of his agreement with several of his brother officers 
on the previous day, relieved them for that purpose. Almost immediately after- 
ward, the army, to their inexpressible joy, learned that Gen. Houston had at length 
agreed to fight. The companies were paraded in battle-oi-der, and marched out 
in gallant array, under command of General Houston. Then gallantly did they 
redeem their noble pledge to conquer or to die. In vain did Santa Anna's dis- 
ciplined veterans endeavor to sustain the assault of our gallant army, as, with the 



LIFE OF GEN. EDWARD BURLESON. 177 

cry of '• Remember the Alamo !" " Remember Fannin and Goliad !" they rushed 
to the charge. The resistless onslau>?ht of our patriot soldiers was too much even 
for them to withstand, well tried though they had been on many a tented field. 
They fled. And now, on the very eve of victory, was heard the command of General 
Houston (who had been wounded during the engagement) ordering the Tu.xian 
troops to cease firing and give over the pursuit, exclaiming, " Glorj' enough for one 
day !" But General Rusk dashed among the men, and, crying, " Xo ! it is not 
enough, while the enemy is in sight I" cheered on the troops in pursuit of the 
flying foe. Well and truly did they respond to his encouraging voice. The hour 
so long delayed had at length come, for vengeance, and the memory of unnum- 
bered wrongs nerved each patriot-arm to avenge those wrongs with a determina- 
tion deadly and sure. Down, and down forever, went the baneful meteor of Mexi- 
can despotism : then uprose the fair star of Texian liberty, destined never to pale 
or dim. On that day was born a nation of freemen. 

All General Burleson's actions in the battle-field showed that amid the clash of 
steel, the dust and smoke, the roar and din of battle, his brave spirit knew no fear. 
Whenever his country called upon him he was ready to serve her. lie commanded 
in the fight when the gallant but misguided Mexican Cordova with his band was 
defeated, after a severe struggle, on the waters of tbe Rio Blanco. 

Whenever the yell of the savage Indian carried terror into the dwellings of our 
frontier settlements, he was ready to mount his horse and go forth with his coun- 
trymen to the defence of the exposed families. The people of AVcstern Texas 
always felt that in him they had found one who was ready to risk his life in their 
defence. It would swell out this memoir to too great an extent were we to detail 
the history of the Cherokee fight or the battle of Plum Creek, in both of which 
he commanded ; for not only against the Mexican foe did he do good battle in his 
country's cause, but to the red men of the prairie his name was a terror and a 
spell. Few indeed are the battle-fields in Texas where his steps were not red 
■with the life-blood of his countrj''s foes, for he was indeed the soldier of thirty 
battles, who never turned his back upon the foe, the hero who never knew defeat. 

It is not alone in his military character that Texians delight to speak of Edward 
Burleson ; for his fame as a statesman and his honor as a gentleman are equally 
untarnished. With as many militarj' honors as deck the brow of anj- living man, 
with nil his experience in legislation, with all the merited honors which the peo- 
ple of Texas had conferred upon hira, he met the youngest, the humblest and 
most inexperienced Senator on the floor on terms of perfect equality. Humble, 
unassuming, 3-ct dignified, in his deportment, warm and true in his attachments, 
truthful and above all suspicion of tirae-serviug or dishonest legislation, he moved 
among the people a sublime spectacle of patriarchal simplicity. His was a 
character which never could receive a borrowed dignity from accidental position : 
all that was great about him was inherent; and whether we see him as the occu- 
pant of a seat in the Senate-Chamber, or as Vice-President, (to which station he was 
elected by a large majority,) or at the head of an arm.v, or in the domestic circle, 

8» 



178 LIFE OF GEN. SAM HOUSTON. 

we find him still the same, a successful soldier without formal ambition, a hero 
^¥ith the unassuming manners of a great country gentleman, a politician without 
guile, a father, a hushand and a friend. 

On the hills of Monterey he fought his last fight with mortal foe. But there 
was yet another enemy to meet, from whom none may hope for deliverance : on the 
morning of the 2Gth day of December, 1S51, at twenty minutes after seven, he 
sunk beneath the stroke of Death, unconquered still, for even in death he was a 
conqueror, since he died a true Christian. 

He was buried with the honors of Masonry, of which he was a bright ornament, 
on the 27th day of December, 1851, near the city of Austin, and over his grave has 
been erected a plain monument. A portrait of this distinguished man ornaments 
the Senate-IIall. 

GBN. SAM HOUSTON. 

Gen. Sam Houston is a man who has done much for Texas, and whose services 
are remembered and appreciated. He is a man of commanding appearance, being 
over six feet high and stout in proportion, of gigantic intellect and pleasing oratorial 
abilities, and is now sixty-six years of age. He is a native of the State of Virginia, 
but emigrated in early life to the State of Tennessee, where he joined the 
United States army. Under the gallant Jackson, he participated in the battle of 
the Horse-Shoe. His conduct won for him the admiration of that great and vene- 
rated old hero, and paved the way for his advancement iu the Democratic ranks of 
the State of Tennessee, and secured his election, at a very early age, first as a mem- 
ber of Congress, then as Governor of that State. From Tennessee he removed to Ar- 
kansas, where he resided for some time, as it were in exile, with the Cherokee Indians, 
Even there this great man left his mark. From thence he emigrated to Texas, and 
assisted in unfarliug the Lone Star Banner, and has completely identified himself 
with Texian history, — having filled the offices of Indian Commissioner, major-gene- 
ral of the army, and commander-in-chief at Sau Jacinto, a battle that will be 
long remembered, where a handful of men attacked and defeated the flower of 
the Mexican army, commanded as they were by some of the most experienced 
generals, while their men outnumbered ours at least twenty-fold, — a battle that 
those Texians who participated in it, no matter in what capacity, may well feel a 
pleasure and a pride in while they proclaim to their offspring that they too took 
part in it and sealed the Independence of Texas. Twice was he elected President ~ 
of the late Republic of Texas. He also represented the county of San Augustine 
in the Texian Congress, and is now Senator from Texas in the Congress of the 
United States, which latter position he has occupied from the date of our admission 
into the United States. No man, we venture to sa}', has warmer friends or more 
BITTER enemies ; and, although he was defeated in the late gubernatorial canvass 
by a majority of nearly ten thousand votes by the Democratic nomiaee, H. R. 
Runnels, this does not show that he was unpopular or that his past services are 
not appreciated and remembered, for no other citizen placed in the same situation . 



LIFE OF QEN. M. B. LAMAR. 179 

anil iinilor the ^ainc circnmstanccs couM li.ivo pnllcd half the nuinhcr of votes 
that he has (lone; and it was with the utmost reluctance that many of his warm 
personal frion<ls, who prided themselves on their firm adherence to the Democratic 
party, were compelled to vote against him. Yet there were thousands of good and 
true men, Democrats in principle, who could not allow themselves to be swayed by 
mere party considerations, and as :i tribute of respect voted for Gen. Houston; while 
there were many others, who, when they deposited their ballot against him, did so 
as a conscientious duty, although with a heavj' heart, deeply regretting that their old 
friend had thought fit to leave the ranks of Democracy and affiliate himself with 
a party whose accession to powci", Te.xians are well aware, would be inimical to the 
best interests of the State. It is painful to see this old public servant thus situated ; 
but it is to be hoped that the day is not far distant when he will see the error of 
his way, and that the friend and favorite of Jackson will once more be numbered 
among the Democratic party. If so, Houston will find that Texas will not forget 
him. Those who wish to become more fully acquainted with Gen. Houston's ser- 
vices are referred to his life written by Mr. Lester. 

GENERAL M. B. LAMAR. 

It is not our intention in the present sketch to follow General Lamar in the 
early career of life, but to confine ourselves to that portion of his history which 
relates to his adopted State. 

It will be sufficient for the general reader to know that he is a native Georgian, 
born in the town of Louisville, on the IGth of August, 1"9S. His education was 
limited, embracing very little more than that which is acquired at primary school, 
such as reading and writing, together with some knowledge of arithmetic and a 
smattering of English Grammar. Of the classics he kucw nothing. This did 
not proceed from any want of opportunity for acquiring a good education, nor 
from anj' indifference of his parents on the subject, who were in reality often 
pained at their sou's incorrigible aversion to study, but from the want of confi- 
dence in himself, as well as from the impossibility of submitting to the confine- 
ment and restrictions of school. Tiie waut of scholastic advantages, however, 
was scarcely felt by himself or perceived by others ; for at a very early period we 
find him figuring cxtcnsivelj' in politics, aud writing for the newspapers with a 
degree of force, clearness aud energy which would not discredit more experienced 
champions in that line. 

Having been brought up to mercantile pursuits, he embarked in business in 
1S19, in the town of Cahawba, Alabama, but soon abandoned it for a more con- 
genial enterprise, aud became editor of the " Cahawba Press," a station which he 
occupied but a short time, when he returned to his native State, applied himself to 
miscellaneous reading, and finally took the field of politics. He was appointed 
Private Secretary to Governor Troup, whose unbounded confidence and ardent 
friendship he retained until the death of that great man and pure patriot. He 



180 LIFE OF GEN. M. B. LAMAR. 

married Miss Tabitha B. Jordan, of Perry county, Alabama, on the 6th of 
January, 1826 ; returned to Georgia, where he farmed two years, and then estab- 
lished, in 182S, the " Columbus Enquirer," — a paper devoted to the advocacy 
of State-Rights principles, — principles which he still maintains. He was sent 
to the State Senate from his county, (Muscogee,) and was a candidate the 
next j^ear for re-election, with the certainty of success, when a domestic calamity 
befell him, which overwhelmed him with sorrow, paralyzed his energies, and in- 
duced him to abandon for a while all consideration of public offices. He after- 
ward ran for Congress as a nuUifier, on an independent ticket, and was defeated 
by a small majority. At the next election he was placed on the regular Demo- 
cratic nomination ; but the ticket of the party was defeated, and Lamar took final 
leave of public life, except so far as to write for the papers in defence of Southern 
Rights and the Democratic party, — which, indeed, he never ceased to do. This 
closed his career in Georgia. 

On leaving his native State, perhaps no man ever carried with him a larger 
share of the love, confidence and admiration of his countrymen than General 
, Lamar. From boyhood to the present day, he has always been regarded as one 
of the noblest sons of that State. 

General Lamar emigrated to Texas in August, 1835, and found the country in 
a state of great agitation, in consequence of the destruction of the Federal system 
by Santa Anna, and the assumption of the Dictatorship by him. The people of 
the country were greatly divided in opinion as to the course which Texas ought to 
pursue. Some were in favor of a revolution, such as Archer, Travis, Mosely 
Baker, the Whartons, Jacks and others, whilst the great majority of the people 
were indisposed to go to war. 

At this crisis General Lamar arrived at the town of Washington, where a public 
meeting was held for the purpose of discussing the condition of the country, and 
on that occasion — though a total stranger — he was called upon to express his opin- 
ion. He then made, it is believed, the first open, unequivocal and decided speech 
in favor of the declaration of independence. The community was greatly excited at 
that time against the Legislature of Coahuila and Texas, in consequence of the sale 
of certain lands, a measure afterward denounced in the Constitution of the country 
as fraudulent. Many believed that some of the leaders of the war-party, as they 
were then called, had no other object in view than to raise a military force to re- 
instate the Governor, Viesca, who had been driven from the capital by General 
Cos, in order that he might perfect the fraudulent sale of the lands alluded to. 
General Lamar remarked on that occasion, that if such were the real objects of 
any party, he could not co-operate with them ; nor was he inclined to fight for the 
mere restoration of the Federal system, however much he might prefer it to that 
of Centralism ; but that he was in favor of a declaration of open war, for a total 
separation from Mexico ; and expressed his confidence in the ability of the coun-* 
try to establish its independence, aided as it would be by the chivalry of the 
youth of the United States. In this speech he announced his determination to 



LIFE OF GEN. M. B. LAMAR. 181 

unite his destiny ivitli that of the country, and, after tendering his services to tbo 
Consultation, returned to Georgia iu the latter part of the year, for the purpose 
of arranging his affairs for a perraancut removal to Texas, lie returned in time 
to join the army whilst it lay at Groce's on the Brazos, and continued as a private 
therein until the battle of San Jacinto. 

General Lamar, although arriving at San Jacinto as a private soldier, was 
destined to act a very distinguished part in the battle. On the 20th of April, 
when General Sherman at the head of the cavalry was sent out for the purpose 
of capturing the enemy's cannon, with a promise from Houston, as he states, to 
sustain him by the infantry if necessar}', a sprightly skirmish took place between 
the cavalry of the enemy and that under the command of Sherman. The Mexi- 
cans were well provided with arms, having lances, sabres, pistols and escopets ; 
while the Americans, although styled cavalry, were mostly nothing more than 
mounted riflemen. This made the contest very unequal. The numbers, how- 
ever, wire nearly the same on both sides. The Americans, after making two 
successful charges, were forced to fly the field and return- to the encampment, 
where they found one or two regiments under arms; but fur what purpose we can- 
not say. 

When Sherman first advanced upon the Mexican forces, they opened upon him 
with a nine-pounder. Their cavalry were then thrown forward, together with 
tliroe hundred infantrj', for their support. AVith such odds against them, it was 
impossible for the Americans to sustain themselves; and it was under these 
circumstances that they were forced to abandon the contest and quit the field. 

The subject of our present sketch, however, believing that his party would rally 
again and soon return to the conflict, abided in his position, and had not yet 
turned for flight. In the critical moment he discovered General Rusk cut oS" from 
retreat and tiercelj' beset by several of the Mexican cavalry. Not a moment was 
to be lost. The slightest hesitation or delay was death. Lamar rushed to the 
rescue, and by the vigor and activity of his charge put the assailants to flight 
and saved the life of the general. Lamar received a severe wound iu the knee 
by striking it against the pommel of one of the Mexican saddles. On the next 
day, the 21st, when the army was forming for battle, Lamar was requested by 
the commanding general to take charge of the artillery iu the fight, which he 
declined to do, on the ground that he was unwilling to step between the oflRcers of 
that corps and the honors which they hoped to win that day. Soon after the 
general requested Lamar to lead the cavalrj- in the fight, which, for similar 
reasons, he also declined. Gen. Rusk, then Secretary of War, passing at the mo- 
ment, invited Lamar to accompany him as aide-de-camp, to which he readily 
assented; but, as they rode ofl" together, the cavalry called loudly for Lamar to 
return and assume the command, which he refused to do, until the oflicers of the 
corps galloped up to him themselves and said that it was their wish, as well as 
that of the men, that he should commau<l. This, as a matter of course, made it 
imperative, and he accordingly returned and took command, although still sufifer- 



182 LIFE OF GEN. M. B- LAMAR. 

iiig greatly from tlie coueussion of Lis kuee on tlie previous daj-. The glory 
which the cavalry, under its gallant commander, achieved on that occasion is, as a 
matter of history, so well known that it needs no further notice in this sketch. 

Soon after the battle, he was called into the Cabinet, as Attorney-General, and 
was shortly afterward placed at the head of the War Department in the place of 
General Rusk, who was appointed to the command of the army. While Secre- 
tary of War, the question arose in the Cabinet as to what disposition should be 
made of Santa Anna. General Lamar on that occasion differed from the other 
members of the Cabinet, and set forth his views in a document which, for vigor 
of thought, beauty and force of language, and fiery indignation, has perhaps no 
superior in any language. Although the general was overruled on that occasion, 
it is still doubtful whether his policy was not the true one. Subsequent events 
have demonstrated the truth of every prediction in that powerful production, — a 
production which it is even now impossible to read without feeling a strong re- 
sentment against the treacherous and sanguinary butcher of Goliad, as well as a 
deep regret that his crimes should have gone unpunished. 

From the position of Secretary of War, General Lamar was appointed, by 
President Burnet, major-general of the armj', then lying on the Coleto, com- 
manded by General Rusk, who, in recommending the appointment to be made, 
also expressed his determination not to accept the station himself, even though it 
should be tendered to him. It was accordingly conferred on Lamar. The enemy 
did not advance, and General Lamar was elected Vice-President, which office he 
filled until August, 1838, when he was called to the Presidencj'. 

The treaty between the Government of Texas and Santa Anna, and afterward 
confirmed by the first Congress, established the Rio Grande, from its mouth to its 
source, as the western boundary of Texas, including Santa Fe. AVhen General 
Lamar came into office, the war being unsettled, he, in his inaugural address, de- 
fined the southwestern boundary as extending in that direction as far as the 
obstinacy of the enemy might render it necessary for the sword to mark it. In 
the same address he says, " The character of my administration may be antici- 
pated in the domestic nature of our Government and peaceful habits of the peo- 
ple. Looking upon agriculture, commerce and tho useful arts as the basis of 
national strength and glory, it will be my leading policy to awaken into vigorous 
activity the wealth, talent and enterprise of the country, and at the same time to 

LAY THE FOUNDATIO.V Of those IHGHEK INSTITUTIONS FOU MORAL AND MENTAL CUL- 
TURE, without which no Government on democratic principles can prosper, nor the 
people long preserve their liberties." 

Never was a public pledge so fully and gloriously redeemed as the above. Gen. 
Lamar, on coming into ofiice, found the country in sad confusion. Every thing 
was in disorder and uproar. The army had been disbanded, and the soldiers 
were scattered through the country in poverty and distress, while the frontier was 
daily bleeding from the incursions of the Indians. The soldiers were clamorous 
for relief, and tho suffering borders were crying aloud for protection. For the 



LIFE or GEN. M. B. LAMAR. 183 

purpose of supporting the public officers and carrj-ing on the GoTcrr.mcnt, tho 
Congress had resorted to the expedient of issuing what was called Star Money, 
which was scattered so profusely bj' the Secretary of the Treasury, without even 
taking an account of the amount expended, or specifying, in many cases, tho 
clyects to which it was applied, that it depreciated rapidly, and soon became 
worthless. There never was, it is believed, any record kept by the Government 
of the vast amount issued. 

So great, indeed, was the danger, discontent and suffering that reigned at tho 
time, and so distressed the condition of the countrj-, that the Congress, imme- 
diately on its organization in 18.39, felt constrained, by a necessity above all law, 
to confide tho defence of the eastern frontier to a private indivielual, investing him 
with full power to organize a force for that purpose anel to draw upon the public 
funds for its maintenance, indcpenelently of the President, and without the formali- 
ties of the Constitution. This was indeed the erection of a species of dictatorship, 
a surrender of the sword and the purse of the nation into the hands of a private 
citizen, to be employed by him without responsibility, as he deemed necessary for 
the public safety, — a dangerous and desperate expedient, which ought never to be 
resorted to, except under the most direful necessity. The law was generallj- con- 
ceded to be unconstitutional; but the Congress, regarding the danger as imminent 
and pressing, resorted to this measure, as the only alternative under the circum- 
stances. The individual clothed with this extraordinary power was General 
Husk. He, however, for some reason, took no active measures of defence, and the 
rontier continued to bleed until the inauguration of General Lamar. 

It was under these circumstances — whilst the countrj' was in utter chaos, still 
threatened with foreign invasion, our frontier giving way and receding from the 
Indians, our Treasury exhausted, our credit destroyed, and the people of all 
classes demanding relief — that Lamar commenced his administration. To redeem 
the country from this deplorable state, and bring order out of confusion, was cer- 
tainly no easy task, and rendered more difficult from the want of national character. 
Lamar, however, was adequate to the exigency, and in a brief time a competent 
force was thrown on the bleeding frontier, which not only gave it perfect protec- 
tion, but pushed its settlements still farther into the wilderness. This he had to 
do by powerful and eloquent appeals to the patriotism and chivalry of the people. 
Tho militia was also immcdiatelj' organized ; and all who contributed to tho 
frontier-defence were recognised as soldiers, and were duly paid for their services. 

The support of the Government had to rest upon a new issue of monej-. Tho 
Congress accordingly passed a bill authorizing tho issue of what was called tho 
Red Eacks. This currency commenced the 2yth of April, 1S;39, and answered a 
good purpose for the time. It enabled President Lamar to effect the most of those 
glorious and important ends which distinguished his administration, an adminis- 
tration which was fraught with the highest blessings to the nation, and cannot 
fail, when fully developed and explained by the honest historian, to secure General 
Lamar the renown of being one of the greatest benefactors of the country, aa he 
has always been esteemed its pride and ornament 



184 LIFE OF GEN. M. B. LAMAR. 

We cannot, in a brief sketch like this, go into a detailed account of an admin- 
istration so replete with stirring and important events, in which so much good 
was accomplished in so short a time and under so many adverse circumstances. 
We shall only glance at a few of the more importiint measures, without taking 
any note of the numerous embarrassments and difficulties which had to be met 
and surmounted at every step during its progress. The militia was immediately 
organized; the frontier was extended and protected; the seat of Government was 
removed to Austin; mails were established and kept up with regularity through 
all sections of the countr}' ; the Cherokees, who were in alliance with the JMexi- 
cans, were expelled from the country ; the Shawnees were removed peacefully 
beyond the Red River, being paid for their improvements ; the friendly Indians, 
such as the Choahatties, Alabamas and other tribes, were protected in their rights 
against all encroachments ; our national independence was acknowledged by the 
most prominent nations ; a strong navy was sustained upon the Gulf, which not 
only afi'orded security from maritime invasion, but greatly harassed the enemy 
and extorted contributions from him ; order and responsibility were established 
and enforced in all the Departments of Government; and large and ample pro- 
visions were made for purposes of education, which had hitherto been shamefully 
neglected. These and similar wise and efficient measures soon gave peace, pros- 
perity, dignity and character to the country, and laid the foundation of its sub- 
sequent rapid increase of population and general progress in wealth and power. 

In his jaiblic appointments. General Lamar was particular in selecting the most 
worthy men, — honest, talented and of irreproachable character. He was the pati'on 
of the good and wise, and showed no favor to the vicious. He feared no respon- 
sibility where the public good required its assumption. He suspended the Audi- 
torial Court, because he conceived that its operations were injurious to the country. 
He also surveyed the college-lands, in defiance of the Congress, which had refused 
to make any appropriation for that purpose after having made the donation. It 
was then generally supposed that that body was anxious to defeat the very law 
which it had passed, and with this view withheld the necessary means to carry 
it into execution. Lamar, however, made safe the donation by locating and sur- 
veying the lands upon his own responsibility, fearing that the next Congress would 
repeal the law. The immense frauds perpetrated by the Land-Commissioners in. 
various counties, granting false certificates for land to an enormous amount, were 
detected and defeated by him,^ — by which more than a million of acres of the public 
domain were saved from the grasp of villany. Throughout the whole adminis- 
tration of General Lamar, there has never been any measure or policy of his dis- 
approved by the nation except one, and that one, before its adoption, had been 
made known to the Congress, discussed extensively by the people, and was almost 
universally approved. We allude to the attempt which he made to assert the 
right of Texas to New Mexico, and to extend its jurisdiction over that portion of 
our country. Texas had acquired it by treaty: it was regarded as part of the 
nation; and, for the purpose of making good her title, diverting its trade through 



LIFE OF GEN. M. B. LAMAR. 183 

Texas, and raising a revenue from tbe same, an expedition was fitted out and 
despatched to tl)at country under the command of General Hugh McLeod, a 
brave, talented and efficient oflScer. A variety of causes, however, conspired to 
defeat tbe enteiprise ; and it was not until after its failure that the enemies of 
Lamar commenced their clamorous denunciations of the measure. Pt)sterity, how- 
ever, we feel assured, will reverse the decision, and not only regard it as a wise 
and far-seeing policy, but as a measure which, if crowned with success, — as it 
would have been had Congress sustained the Executive in the first instance, — would 
have changed very materially the destiny of Texas. It is, however, a somxe of 
prido to the friends of General Lamar that, amidst the innumerable blessings 
which have flowed to the country from his energy, wisdom and virtue, this is the 
only public act which his enemies have been able to condemn of an administra- 
tion which won the approbation of the good, extorted even the support of the bad, 
aud secured to him an enviable reputation abroad. 

In his annual message to Congress in 1841. referring to this subject, he uses the 
following language concerning the expenditures in fitting out the expedition. He 
says, " It will be seen, by the lucid and satisfactory Report of the Secretary of 
the Treasury, that, whilst our resources are being gradually developed, our national 
debt has been but slightly augmented, and would have been greatly diminished 
but for the insufficiency of the laws for the collection of the public dues ; and that 
the expenses of the Government for the current j'ear, including those of the Santa 
Fe Expedition and all others, have fallen considerably short of the aggregate 
amount appropriated for its purposes by the last Congress." 

Indeed, it is true that, although compelled in some instances to assume the re- 
sponsibility of providing for unexpected emergencies, the annual expenditures 
have never in any year exceeded the appropriations of Congress. We are only 
surprised that so many objects of vast magnitude, accompanied with the heavy 
expenses growing out of the support of the army and navy, could have been ac- 
complished with such limited resources. It was due to the vigilant economy with 
which the President was alwaj's known to guard the public treasury. To achieve 
great objects with little means is the wisdom of the. statesman. 

(Jeneral Lamar, in his military character, had in an eminent degree the faculty 
of inspiring the soldiers with confidence and chivalry. They not only loved him 
as a man for the interest which he manifested in their comfort and welfare, but 
still more as a commander fur his daring gallantry aud unconquerable will. His 
wants wore few, and his comforts not above those of his soldiers. He shared not 
only in their dangers, but in their hardships and privations. In battle he 
always led the way; and, if there be any defect in his character as a commander, 
it is that he was too prone to seek personal conflict, and to fight the battle himself, 
witiiout the aid of his men. As an illustration of this trait, we give the following 
anecdote. On his march from Monterey to the Rio Grande, while crossing a 
stream which ran at the foot of a hill near a small town, one of the soldiers was shot 
iu the side while stooping duwu to drink. It was believed that the shot come from 



186 LIFE OF GEN. M. B. LAMAfl. 

the high bhiff which shielded the village from view, and nnder this impression a 
brave and well-known soldier, by the name of John Hancock, started up the hill to 
reconnoitre the enemy, who was supposed to be waiting in ambush, when Lamar 
called out to him, saying, "Halt! Stop! Don't you know they will kill j'ou if 
you go up there ? Let me go." And he actually made Hancock stop, and dashed 
up the bank himself; but fortunately there was no enemy; and it was ascertained 
afterward that the wounded sohlier had been accidentally shot with his own pis- 
tol, by its dropping from his belt. 

Lamar joined the army of General Taylor at Matamoros, and was in the battle 
of Monterey, where his chivalry was conspicuous even amidst the host of 
daring spirits that surrounded him. It was at his suggestion that a portion of the 
Texian cavalry entered the lower part of the city and co-operated with the Missis- 
sippians, who were maintaining the lodgment which they had made, under a galling 
fire. A party of the Texians, accompanied by some of the Mississippians, were 
temporarily placed by Governor Henderson under the command of Lamar, whose 
men commenced at once to advance toward the Main Plaza, by cutting their way 
through stone walls and fighting from the tops of the houses, not being able to 
keep the streets, as they were raked by the artillery as well as by the infantry. 
General Lamar, however, greatly fatigued by the labors of the day, and scarcely 
able to continue on foot, was compelled to mount his horse and face the enemy 
in full exposure. In this manner he cheered and animated his men until he had 
charged almost up to the mouths of the enemy's cannon. Governor Henderson, in 
the mean time, at the head of the principal command, had advanced very near to 
the Grand Plaza, when he was ordered to cease the fight and retire from the city, — 
an order which was received with regret, and only obeyed from a sense of duty, 
against the convictions and wishes of ever}' man. 

Lamar was invited, after the battle of Monterey, by General Butler, into his staff, 
as Division-Inspector. He accepted the position, but resigned it in a day or two, 
for the purpose of joining Scott on the Vera Cruz line, from which step, however, 
he was dissuaded by Generals Henderson and Taylor, who desired him to go to the 
Rio Grande for the purpose of protecting the frontier and extending the jurisdic- 
tion of Texas over that section of country. He accordingly organized a com- 
pany of one hundred men and stationed himself at the town of Laredo, under 
the promise, however, from General Taylor that he (Lamar) should accompany him 
on his march to San Luis Potosi, whither Taylor was then resolved to go. In 
conformity with this agreement. General Taylor directed a letter to him, ordering 
him to join him at Saltillo on a certain day, for on that day he would take up the 
line of march for San Luis Potosi, but the letter, being delayed on the way, did 
not reach Lainar until after the arrival of the tidings of the battle of Buena Vista. 
Had the letter come directly on without iuterruptiouj it would probably have reached 
bini in time for him to participate in that glorious victory. 

Lamar remained in command at Laredo two years, during which time he was in 
almost perpetual conflict with the Comanches, and was victorious in all his skir- 



LIFE OF GEN. J. P. HENDERSON. 187 

ini3hes. At the end of the first year, when his term of service expired, he was sent 
as a Representative from that section to the Lej;ishitiire, wlien he caused the coilnty 
embracing Laredo to bejianied Webb, and the adjoining one below, Starr, in 
honor of two of his Cabinet officers who had adhered to him with great personal 
affection throughout all the trials of hi.s administration. Ho did not, however, long 
retain his seat in that bodj-; for his old company was about to be reorganized in 
the public service, and he was unanimously called by them to assume the command. 
He obe3'cd their wishes, and, repairing to his old post, recommenced his unrelaxing 
war upon the savages, which he prosecuted with such vigor and success that at the 
end of the second year there was not to be found a solitary hostile Indian on that 
border. Never were the Comanches so thoroughly chastised as by General Lamar. 
They were driven far back into the interior during his administration; but, return- 
ing to the frontier and renewing their hostilities as soon as he was out of office, 
they continued their depredations unchecked until his appearance at Laredo, when 
they were again chastised under his own personal direction, — for it was the habit of 
Lamar not to send an expedition in pursuit of the enemy, but to head it himself. 

While General Lamar, by the full and faithful discharge of every public trust 
committed to him, from the lowest to the highest, conferring honor upon tliem 
rather than being honored by them, has exemplified the character of a faithful 
public servant, displaying the talents of the statesman, the devotion of the 
patriot, the daring of the soldier, and an energy for all emergencies, he has no 
less sustained the character of the true mau in his private relations. He has always 
been cherished and beloved by his friends and acquaintances for undeviating 
truth, inflexible justice, generous aflections, punctuality in his dealings and a 
scrupulous integrity and honor in all things. His urbanity, fine fancy, pleasant 
speech and manifest sincerity in every thing he says and does make him an orna- 
ment of society and an ever-welcome guest to all. Perhaps no man ever passed 
through so many trials and such a diversified career, and preserved a reputation 
more unsullied both in public or private life than General Lamar. 

This noble patriot, warrior and orator has long since retired from the turmoils 
of public life, and now, in the fulness of years, is quietly and pleasantlj' domiciled 
near the town of Richmond, on the banks of the Brazos, in the enjoyment of health 
and happiness, beloved by his neighbors, and throned in the affections of a grateful 
nation. 

— >^I^$<t>§ C I ' • 

GEN. JA!¥IES PINCENET HENDERSON, 

Was born in Lincoln county, N. C, JIarch 31, 180S. He received a liberal educa- 
tion, and studied 1 iw, principal!}' under his father's superintendcuee, who, though 
not a practising lawj'er, had studied the science, and, being a man of fine capacity 
and practical sense, was thoroughly conversant with the theory of the law as well 
its practice. Gen. Henderson commenced the practice of the law at the age of 
twenty-one, in hia native and the surrounding counties, and continned to praotu* 



188 LIFE OF GEN. J. P. HENDERSON. 

with marked success, for four or five years. Being attacked by hemorrhage of the 
lungs, he relinquislied Lis practice, and spent the winter of lS3."i-34 in the island 
of Cuba; and in the fall of 1835 he settled in Canton, Madison county, Mississippi, 
in the hope of benefit from a change of climate. Immediately upon his settlement 
in his new home, he resumed his profession, and with the brightest prospects of 
success; but, in the spring of 1836, on hearing of the invasion of Texas by the 
Mexicans under Santa Anna, and of their treachery and cruelty, and being invited 
to raise troops to march to the assistance of Texas, he again abandoned the law 
for a season, and assisted in forming a company of volunteers from his adopted State, 
which proceeded to Texas under the guidance of Captain David M. Fulton, who 
had command of them after their incorporation into the Texian army. Gen. Hen- 
derson came to Texas in advance of the company, and soon after his arrival was 
commissioned by President Burnet to return to the United States and recruit for 
the army. He accordingly travelled through North Carolina and Tennessee for 
that purpose, and large numbers volunteered; but, owing to the inability of the 
Texian Commissioners then in the United States to furnish the requisite funds for 
the transportation of the troops, only one company was enabled to reach Texas. 
This company was enrolled in Lincoln and the adjoining counties, North Carolina, 
and was brought to Texas by Captain J. H. Harry, at his own expense. This com- 
pany consisted of one hundred men, and was commanded by Captain Harry, 

In November of the same year Gen. Henderson returned from his mission to the 
United States ; and, immediately on the reception of the news of his arrival at the 
seat of government, President Houston tendered him the post of Attorney-General 
of the Republic. He accepted the office, and held it until the death of Gen. Stephen 
F. Austin, Secretary of State, when he was appointed to fill the vacancy. He 
continued in the latter office till Maj', 1837, when he was appointed Envoy Extra- 
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to England and France, with double com- 
missions, — first, to solicit the recognition by those nations of the independence of 
Texas, and secondly, to enter into treaties of commerce and amity with them. He 
arrived in London toward the close of the summer of 1837, and soon afterward 
presented his credentials as Minister of Texas to Lord Palmerston, then Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. He remained in London, pressing the matter of the recognition of 
our independence, until the spring of 1838, and during the interval concluded a 
commercial arrangement with the British Government, by means of which the trade 
between England and Texas was opened and carried on. The Melbourne Ministry, 
being kept in power by O'Connell, who headed the Irish Radicals and held the 
balance of power in Parliament, delayed the recognition of our independence, fear- 
ing his opposition to the measure. Mr. O'Connell opposed our recognition as an 
independent nation on the ground that the institution of slavery had been esta- 
blished on our territory and recognised by our government. At length, despairing 
success in England, our Envoy proceeded to Paris, and presented his credentials 
to Count Mole, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the French Government. In that city 
he continued, endeavoring to further the objects of his mission, with but slight 



LIFE OF GEN. J. P. HENDERSON. 189 

hope of success, until the beginning of the year 1839, when the French Oovcrn- 
moiit was induced to depute au agent to go to Texas and ascertain the validity of 
our claim to a place among the nations, and to report thereon. Accorninglj-, M. 
de Saligny (afterward Minister to Texas from France) was sent, and made his final 
report upon our claim to recognition in August or September of 18.39, — which, 
with the representations of Admiral Baudine, (who commanded the French fleet 
at the taking of Vera Cruz by the French in 1839. and visited our State on his 
way home in the summer of that year.) induced Louis Philippe to accede to the 
desires of our Envoj'. About the same time he signed a treaty of commerce and 
friendship with Marshal Soult, then Mini.ster of Foreign Affairs, by which our inde- 
pendence was fully recognised by the King of the French. 

In October of the same j'ear, Gen. Henderson married Frances, daughter of Mr. 
John Cox, of Philadelphia. Mr. Co.x had been residing in various parts of Europe for 
eight or ten years previous, engaged in the education of his children, (two daugh- 
ters and a son,) and at the period of Mr. Henderson's marriage with his daughter 
Frances was residing in Paris. The ceremony was performed, however, in London> 
i being more convenient to perform it under the laws of England than under those 
of France. 

In the beginning of the j-ear IS 10 he returned to Texas, and immediately after 
his arrival settled in San Augustine, and resumed the practice of the law. From 
that time until 1844 he steadfastly declined accepting any office, and devoted him- 
self zealously to his profession, in order to repair his fortune, which had been some- 
what shattered by the expenses of a three years' residence in Europe, which the 
Texian Government was not able to reimburse him. 

In Januarj- or February of 18 t-i the Congress of the Republic made an appro- 
priation to pay a Minister to be sent to Washington to act in concert with Mr. Van 
Zaudt, Charge d'Affaires of Texas to the United States, in negotiating a treaty with 
the American Government for the annexation of Texas, — and requested the Presi- 
dent to appoint and depute a Minister for that purpose. President Houston ten- 
dering the office to Gen. Henderson, he accepted it, and in February, 1844, was 
appointed Special Envoj' Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Go- 
vernment of the United States, to act iu concert with our charge residing in Wash- 
ington in negotiating a treaty with that Government for the annexation of Texas. 
Soon after his arrival at Washington, the treat}' of annexation was concluded and 
signed by Messrs. Van Zandt and Henderson on the part of Texas, and Mr. Cal- 
houn (then Secretary of Slate) on the part of the United States. This treaty, 
however, was rejected by the Senate of the United States, through a combination 
the adherents of Mr. Claj' and those of Mr. Van Buren, — which combination 
and its result had the effect of preventing the nomination of the latter gentleman 
by the National Democratic Cc)nvention as the candidate of the Democratic party 
for the Presidency in 1844. Mr. Polk was the nominee, chosen by the Convention 
the friend of annexation, which was one of the leading questions all through the 
canvass. The triumph of this principle in the election of Mr. Polk induced Congress 



190 LIFE OF GEN. J. P. HENDERSON. 

to pass the joiut resolutions by which the annexation of Texas to her powerful 
neighbor was consummated. At the urgent request of the citizens of San Augus- 
tine county, where ho resided, Gen. Henderson consented to represent them in part 
in the Convention which framed the Constitution of the State, in 1845, preparatory 
to her admission into the Amei-ican Confederacy. 

Mr. Henderson was the first Governor of the State of Texas under the new 
regime. He was elected to that oflSce in November, 1845, over Dr. James B. 
Miller, by an overwhelming majority, and served during the full term of two years 
declining a renomination at its close. 

In the spring of 1846, on the commencement of hostilities between Texas and 
Mexico, General Taylor, commanding the United States forces on the Rio Grande, 
made a requisition on Governor Henderson for four regiments of volunteers. In 
accordance with this requisition, the troops were speedily raised, and assembled 
near General Taylor's head-quarters at Matamoros, on the Rio Grande. 

The Legislature being at that time in session, they passed a joint resolution (in 
accordance with Mr. Henderson's expressed desire) inviting the Governor to take 
command in person of the Texian volunteers. The troops under his command 
were enrolled in the service of the Government for six months, and Gen. Hender- 
son entered the army in June, 1846, ranking as major-general, in which capacity 
he commanded at the siege of Monterey in September of that year, and was one 
of the commissioners appointed by General Taylor on the part of the United States 
to settle the terms of capitulation with the Mexican commissioners. 

For his services in the storming of Monterey, i-endered for three days in his 
capacity of major-general, Congress, in 1847, voted him a magnificent sword, 
worth $1500. His command being honorably discharged from the service, he 
returned to Texas, and in November, 1846, resumed the duties of the office of 
Governor, which during his absence had been discharged by Lieut. Governor A. C. 
Horton. 

At the close of his gubernatorial career, he returned once more to the practice of 
the law, and continued in his profession — declining nomination for any ofiice — 
until the death of Senator Rusk, when he consented to accept the ofiice rendered 
vacant by his demise, and accordingly was elected, by the Legislature of Texas, 
in November, 1867, to fill the vacancy in the Senatorial Representation of Texas 
in the National Congress occasioned by the sudden and lamented death of the 
great Rusk. 

BOUNTY LAKDS FROM THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT. 

I have made arrangements with responsible parties for procuring, with as little 
delay as possible, the land-warrants issued under the several Acts of Congress to 
the soldiers of the different wars or to their legal representatives, and am pre- 
pared with instructions and forms of applications. Address, by letter or in person, 

J. DE CORDOVA, 
Swenson's Building, City of Austin. 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 191 

INFORMATION WANTED. 

To iiifikc this WDi-k iiioro c'oiiipk'te and scrvu-t'iiblo to those Cor whom it is intenJeJ, 
wc would Icul oblif^eil to the diircreiit 

COUNTY CLERKS and SURVEYORS 

throughout the State of Texas if they would give us a list of every ferry established 
within their county, and on what Survc}', and the reputed distances between the 
county towns wliosc roads of communication cross these ferries. AVe would also bo 
obli^-ed to the different 

RAILWAY, STAGE CONTRACTORS AND STEAMER AGENTS 

if they would forward us a list of all the towns they pass through, the fare to 
each town, the names of the different eating-houses, and where they change 
horses, also the reputed distances from point to point; as we wish to make our 
Guide as complete as possible. By thus doing, the parties furnishing the infor- 
mation will obtain a first-rate advertisement free of charge. Direct to 

J. DE CORDOVA, City of Austin. 



THE TRAVELT^ERS' GUIDE. 

With the exception of the several established lines of sailing-vessels running 
directly between the ports of New York and Boston and the ports of Texas, we do 
not intend to notice any of the different routes from the Northern States, except that 
from MEMPHIS, on the Mississippi, to SAN ANTONIO, Texas, there being an un- 
interrupted chain of conveyance the whole distance. 



U. S. Mail Line from MEMPHIS TO LITTLE ROCK 

Leaves Memphis. Mondays anl Thursdays, at 2 P.M., by steamer .JAMES 
LAUGIILIN, for Napoli:ox. distance two hundred miles. Thence, by White River 
Mail-Packets, steamers S.VM 1I.\LE and .JESSE LAZEAR, to Aberdeen, one hun- 
dred and thirty-tive miles, connecting at that point with 

ANDREW J. REKSIDES & CO.'S 
Splendid four-horse Mail-Coach Line to LITILE ROCFv, sixty-three miles. 
Through-tickets can be obtained at Mcnipliis or Little Rock. 

A. J. REESIDES & CO. 



FROM HELENA, ON THE MISSISSIPPI, TO LITTLE ROCK. 

Fare from Helena to Aberdeen, $G, Aberdeen to Little Rock, SO. Is'o detention 
on this route. 

Travellers from North Mississippi and Alabama will find that there is now a com- 
plete lino of stages from Helena, about one'hundred miles below ^lemphis, on the 
Mississippi, to the city of Austin, the capital of the State of Texas. 

Helena to Aberdeen, sixty miles ; fare, .$(>. 

Aberdeen to Ijittle Rock, sixty-three miles; fare, $G. 

Little Rock to ClarUsville. Texas, via Columbus, Washington, Pcrriclifta Rocky, 
Comfort and Lane's Port, crossing Red River below the mouth of Mill Creek, two 
hundred and fifty miles; fare, S22. 

ChirksviUe, Red River county, to Paris, Lamar county, thirt3' miles, S.3. 

Paris, Lamar county, to Bonham, Fannin county, thirty -eight miles, $3.75. 



192 TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 

Bonbam, Fannin count}', t" McKinney, Collin county, forty mile?. 

Mi-Kinnuy, Collin county, to Dallas. Dallas county, forty miles. 

Dallas to Waco, McLennan county, through AVaxabachie, one hundred miles. 

AVaco, McLennan co., to Belton, Bell county, forty miles. 

Belton, Bell county, to Georgetown, Williamson county, thirty-five miles. 

Georgetown, Williamson county, to the city of Austin, Travis county, the capi- 
tal of the State of Te.xas, twenty-live miles. 

Whole distance from Helena, on the Mississippi, to Austin, Texas, by this route, 
seven hundred and twenty-one miles. 

There are good fords and ferries on this route. 

The above is the route travelled by the mail-stages ; but travellers in their own 
conveyances, who wish to go direct to Austin without seeing so much of Texas, can 
travel by a more direct route, leaving the above road at Clarksville, Red River 
county, and striking direct for Waco. McLennan county. 

A. J. KEESIDES & CO., Proprietors. 



TEXAS AND NEW YORK LINE OF PACKETS. 

The following new and superior vessels compose the line of Packets between 
Galveston and Kew York : — 

Ship W. H. WHARTON, 750 tons G. W. Gates, Master. 

Ship W. B. TRAVIS, 525 tons J. Smith, " 

Ship J. W. FANNIN, 500 tons Leddy, " 

Ship S. F. AUSTIN, 500 tons Jas. Clark, " 

Bark MONTAUK, 400 tons G. Lincoln, " 

Bark NORUMBEGA, 400 tons T. M. Brown, " 

Messrs. J. H. Brower & Co. are the established agents in New York. The 
vessels will be under their entire control while in that port. 

WM. IlENDLEY & CO., Agents, Galveston. 



GALVESTON AND NEW YORE STAR LINE. 

The following vessels will run as regular packets between Galveston and New York. 

New Bark MILTON, 550 tons Wm. Bradford, Master. 

Bark ROBT. MILLS, 600 tou^ J. McNair, 

Bark HOUSTON, 650 tons G. Share, 

Bark ALAMO, 550 tons Mudgett, 

Bark TEXAS, 550 tons Luce, 

Bark GOLDEN AGE, 350 tons Gilchrist, 

Bark SABINE, 400 tons AValker, 

Bark COLLAMA, 300 tons Kessam, 

WAKEMAN, DIMON & CO., Owners and Agents, New York. 
J. SlIACKLEFORD, and POWELL & RUTIIVEN, 

Agents, Galveston. 



GALVESTON AND BOSTON PACKETS. 

PIERCE & BACON'S REGULAR LINE. 

Ship MISS MAG Capt. Benj. IIinkley. 

Bark ISLAND CITY " Asa Stevens. 

" TRINITY " Hiram Hall. 

" D. GODFREY " G. M. Parker. 

" HELEN " A. AV. Stevens. 

" SAN JACINTO •' J. F. Colburn. 

" NUECES " G.W.Taylor. 

" VESTA " M. D. Fratus. 

For freight or passage, having superior accommodations, apply to 

E. B. NICHOLS & CO., Brick AVharf. 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 193 

VIRGINIA FOINT FERRY. 

The subscriber has TWO BOATS constiintlv reudv to tninsport PASSENGERS, 
HORSES and CATTLE to and I'rom the city of GALVESTON. 

CHRISTIAN NELSON. 

FROM NEW ORLEANS TO GALVESTON AND INDIANOLA. 

sorrnKKX stkamsiiii" t,i.\k. 
The following new and magnificent steamships now compose this line, viz. : — 

CHARLES MORGAN Capt. James Lawless. 

PERSEVERANCE " HuNin' Place. 

MEXICO '• John Y. Lawless. 

TEXAS " AV. H. Talbot. 

One of them will leave New Orleans for Galveston every SUNDAY and 
THURSDAY at eight o'cloclf A.M., returning will leave Galveston for New 
Orleans every SUNDAY and THURSDAY at ten o'clock A.M. 

These steamers liave all been built, with great care and cost, specially for this 
trade, have splendid accommodations for passengers, and for speed and safety are 
unsurpassed. Applv to 

E. B. NICHOLS & CO., Galveston, 
H. N. CALDAVELL. Indianola. 
HARRIS & MORGAN, New Orleans. 

FROM NEW ORLEANS TO GALVESTON AND INDIANOLA. 

VAXDEUlilLT UNITED STATES MAIL LINK. 
New Orleans and Opelou.«as Railroad, connecting at Berwick's Bay with the new 
and splendid steamships GALVESTON and OPELOUSAS, of twelve hundred tons' 
burden each, built expressly for this route, and so constructed as to avoid the 
dangers and delavs heretofore arising from the passage over the Texas bars. 
Passengers will leave N^ew Orleans from the Ferry Landing, opposite Jackson 
Square, on Sundav and Thursday mornings, at 10 o'clock. 

OPELOUSAS Capt. A. Van Horne Ellis. 

GALVESTON " C.P.Washburn. 

For freight or passage apply at the Railroad OflSce in New Orleans, and in Gal- 
veston or Indianola on board the steamers, or to 

DAVID WILSON, Sole Agent for Texas. 

FROM GALVESTON TO HOUSTON. 

This splendid line of steamers leaves GALVESTON and HOUSTON daily. Sun- 
days excciJted, at three o'clock, and arrive at their respective ports of destination at 
eleven o'clock. Passengers and shippers are notified that the utmost punctuality 
will be observed in the time of the departure of these boats. 



FR03I HOUSTOX TO WASHIXGTOJV. 

DAILY LINE OF STAGES. 

The United States Mail-Stage Line will leave Houston and Washington every 
morning at 4 o'clock A.M., and arrive at each place same day at 9 P.M. 

It will also leave Houston for Cliappell Hill. Independence, Brenham, Round 
Top, La Grange, Bastrop, Wcbbervillc and Austin, three times a week, — 

SUNDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS,— 
At 4 o'clock A.M. Bj* the above arrangement the passengers and mail above 
Washington will uot bo obliged to remain on Saturdays (as previously) at 
Washington. 

9 



194 TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 

The contractor looks with confidence to those who feel an interest in having 
a daily communication between Washington and Houston to sustain him in this 
new arrangement. 

Passengers for Springfield will leave Houston on Monday and "Wednesday, 
and be three days out. 

Office in Houston, at the Houston House, directly opposite the Post-Of&ce. 

R. L. HECKLE, Agent, Houston. 
W. E. FOAVLKES, " AVashington. 
AV. G. AA'OOD, " Austin. 



Te have every reason to believe that, before this work has been issued 
three months, the travel on this route will increase suflBciently to warrant 
these enterprising contractors to run this line daily, and with accelerated speed, 
as the travel on this road is daily increasing. They are already provided with 
an ample number of splendid Troy coaches, and their stock of horses is equal 
to any to be found on the best-appointed stage-routes in any portion of the United 
States, while their drivers have been selected, regardless of expense, for their skill 
in the management of their teams, thek sobriety, reliability and gentlemanly de- 
portment. 

TEXAS U:^ITED STATES MAIL, 

THE MOST DIRECT, EXPEDITIOUS AND CHEAPEST ROUTE, 

FROia NEW ORLEANS TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN, 

the capital of Texas, and to the central or western portion of the State, via 

GALVESTON, CHAPPELL HILL, HOUSTON, 

BRENHAM, AVASHINGTON, ROUND TOP, 

INDEPENDENCE, RUTTERVILLE, LA GRANGE, 

BASTROP, AVEBBERVILLE, to AUSTIN. 

^^STAGES leave HOUSTON on the above route daily to AA^ASHING- 
TON, and three times a week for all the other places; connecting at AA'ash- 
ington with stages for 

SPRINGFIELD, HUNTSVILLE AND ANDERSON, 

And at the City of Austin with Stages for the City of San Antonio, 

NEAV BRAUNFELS, AA^ACO, GEORGETOAYN, 

BELTON, DALLAS. 

^^g^Stages will also leave HOUSTON three times a week for 

MONTGOMERY, HUNTSVILLE, CINCINNATI, 

CROCKETT, ALTO, DOUGLASS, 

NACOGDOCHES. 
UNITED STATES MAIL-BOATS leave GALVESTON for HOUSTON on 
the arrival of the NEAV ORLEANS STEAMERS, and STAGES leave HOUSTON 
on the arrival of the GALA^ESTON BOATS. 

JS©* EXTRA STAGES will be furnished when necessary, at regular stage- 
fare, by application to the Agent, at the Houston Stage Office, Houston House, 
opposite the Post-Office. F. P. SAAVYER, Proprietor. 

*.:i:.*By this line passengers are conveyed by the Houston Central Railway, a 
distance of fifty miles, to the town of Hempstead, thus avoiding the most dis- 
agreable portion of the stage-travel over the low, level prairies between Houston 
and the Brazos Timber. 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 195 

FROM HARRISBURG, VZA COLUMBUS, TO AUSTIN. 

This lino runs in eonncctiun witli the RrFF.VLO Bayou and Colorado Rail- 
nOAD as far as RICHMOND, Fom- Bk.vd County, thence by post-coaches, three 
times a week, through 

EtfYPT. WnAnTON County, LA GRANGE, Fayette County, 

COLUMBUS, Colorado County, 

At which point it connects with F. P. Sawyer's mail-line running from Houston to 
Austin anil passing tlirou2;h 

BASTROP, Bastrop County, CITY OF AUSTIN, Travis County. 

AVEP.BERVILLE, Travis County, 

At COLUMBUS this line connects with Goss & Peury's line from Galveston to 
Gonzales. 



ROUTES FROM GONZALES TO GALVESTON. 

Messrs. Guss and Perry have established a lino of stages from GONZALES to 
L.4 GRANGE and thence to Richmond on the Brazos, where it connects with tho 
Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad. This line leaves Gonzales every 
Monday and Thursday morning, and returns every Tucsd.ay and Friday eve- 
ninjc. 



F. P. SAWYER'S LINE OF STAGES 

FROM LA GRANGE TO HOUSTON. 

F. P. Sawver's line of stages leaves La Gran2;e cverv Sunday, Tuesday and 
Thursday morning, oassing througii RUTTERVILLE, ROUND TOP, BRENHAM, 
INDEPENDENCE" and WASHINGTON, crossing the river Brazos at Rock 
Island, and connecting at Hempstead, lifty miles from Houston, with his other line of 
stages, which leaves Brenham on tho arrival of tho above stage, and, passing 
through CILVPPELL HILL, crosses the Brazos River at WARREN, on these 
lines connecting at the Depot of the Houston and Central Railroad at Hemp- 
stead ; thence by the cars to Houston, a distance of fifty miles; thence, by tho splen- 
did boats of the Houston Navigation Company, to Galveston. 



FROM AUSTIN TO SAN ANTONIO 

Three times a week : through in eighteen hours; leaving Austin on every Mon- 
day, Wednesday and Friday evening at eleven o'clock, and San Antonio every 
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. This lino of excellent stages passes 
through the following noted points : — 

MANCHACA SPRINGS, Travis Co., NEW BRAUNFELS, Cojial County, 
ST. MARK'S, Hays Cou.vty", HILLSBOROUGH, Bexar County, 

STRINGTOWN, Hays County, SAN ANTONIO, Bexar County. 



FROM HOUSTON TO HUNTSVILLE. 

The passengers by this line leave the city of lloustou liy the morning train of 
ihe Houston Centk.al Railroad every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morn- 
ng to Cypress City, a distance of twenty-five miles ; thence by stage from 
CYPRESS CITY, Harris County, HUNTSVILLE, Walker County. 

MONTGOMERY, Montgomery Co., 



196 TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 

FROM HOUSTON TO WACO. 

BY F. SAWYER'S LINE, 
The distance from Houston to "Waco is 135 miles. At HotrsTON you take the 
Houston and Central Railroad to Hempstead, a distance of fifty miles, from thence 
by stage to 

WASHINGTON, Washington County. ALTA SPRINGS, Falls County. 
BOONVILLE, Brazos County. SPRINGFIELD, Limestone County. 

WHEELOCK, Robertson County. MARLIN, Falls County. 

FRANKLIN, Robertson County. To WACO, McLennan County. 

At Washington this line connects with 

BLACK'S LINE, 
FROm WASHINGTON TO NACOGDOCHES. 
This line passes through the following important points : 
ANDERSON, Grimes County. ALTO, Cherokee County. 

HUNTSVILLE, Walker County. DOUGLASS, Nacogdoches County. 

CROCKETT, Houston County. NACOGDOCHES, Nacogdoches Co. 

Here this line connects Avith 

F. P. SAWYER'S— LATE PARMALEE LINE. 

FROM NACOGDOCHES TO THE MOUTH OF RED RIVER. 

Passing through the following towns: 

MELROSE, Nacogdoches County. MILAM, Sabine County. 
CHERINO, Nacogdoches County. SABINE TOWN, Sabine County. 

SAN AUGUSTINE, San Augustine. 

About three miles from which it crosses the Sabine River into Louisiana, an'* 
passing through Louisiana to the Red River, a distance of Two Hundred and 
Twenty Miles. Fare, Ten Cents per mile. 



U. S. MAIL, MARSHALL TO NACOGDOCHES. 

Stages leave Marshall and Nacogdoches tri-weekly. and go through in Forty- 
Eight hours via Henderson. This line intersects the daily line from 

JEFFERSON TO MARSHALL, 
Also, at Nacogdoches, the tri-weekly lines from 

ALEXANDRIA, HOUSTON AND AUSTIN. 

CENETTE BOGGESS, Proprietor. 



FROM SABINE TOWN TO GRAND ECORE, 

Through in daylight, connecting with R. Parmalee & Co.'s splendid and popular 
line from Alexandria to Nacogdoches. J^^ Leaves Sabine Town every Monday 
and Thursday. V. A. MONTGOMERY. 



FACILITIES FOR TRAVEL IN WESTERN TEXAS. 

Persons visiting Western Texas, or who are desirous of doing so, are hereby in- 
formed that the coaches of the Western Texas Stage-Company leave the Casimir 
House, opposite Powder-IIorn Wharf, on Matagorda Bay, every day on the arrival 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 197 

of the steamships from New Orleans, and every other day of the week, (Saturday 
excepted.) Running to 

San Axtomo, Austtx, Segvis, 

'Waco, Belton, Nkw Bkai'nfels, 

San Marcos, Gonzales, LocKnAUT, 

YoRKTowN, Victoria, Port Lavaca, 

and Western Texas in general ; affording the business traveller great despatch, 
and emigrants every facility for exploring this delightful region. 

Returning from the interior, the coaches of this company run in close connection 
with the steamships, which take their departure for New Orleans from Powder-Horn 
"Wharf. 

An agent of the company ever ready to answer questions and receive money will 
be found at the Cauimir House, Lower Indianola. B. A. RISIIER, 

For Western Texas Stage Company. 



Daily Line of Four-Horse Coaches 
FROM INDIANOLA TO AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO. 

(THUorcn IN FouTY-EiGHT HOURS.) 

By three different routes, running through the principal towns in Western Texas. 

FOR AUSTIN, via Lavaca, Victoria, Gonzales and Lockhart. Leaves Indianola 
every Monday, AVedne«day and Friday. 

FOR SAN ANTONIO, via Lavaca, Victoria, Yorktown and Sulphur Springs. 
Leaves Indianola every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. 

FOR SAN ANTONIO, via Victoria, Gonzales and Seguin. Leaves Indianola 
every Monday, Wednesday and Fridaj'. 

In addition to the above, the Western Texas Stage-Company have established 
TRI-WEEKLY LINES between San Antonio and Austin, and between Austin and 
AVaco Village connecting with Mr. A. G. COMPTON'S LINES to SUREVE- 
PORT. DALLAS and CLARKSVILLE. 

^^S^Stagc-Offico at Powder-Horn Wharf, Indianola. 

B. A. RISHER, For Western Texas Stage-Company. 



WESTERN TEXAS U. S. MAIL STAGE, 

BETWEEN SAN ANTONIO AND EAGLE PASS, 
Via Castroville, Quihi, Dhanis and Leona, 
Leaving San Antonio every Monday at G A. M., and arriving at Eagle Pass on Wed- 
nesday at 4 P.M.; leaving Eagle Pass every Thursday at 10 o'clock A.M., and 
arriving at San Antonio on Saturday at 4 o'clock. B. DAVID, Proprietor. 



TABLE OF DISTANCES 

FROM CORPUS CHRISTI TO THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT POSTS 

AND TOWNS IN THE INTERIOR. 

miles. miles. miles. 

San Patricio 25 Lockhart 12.'j Fort Martin Scott.... 175 

Refugio 40 Castroville 140 Fort Duncan 175 

Goliad 65 Austin 150 Fort Croghan 180 

Cuero 80 San Antonio,straight 135 Fort Clark 250 

Helena 85 Fort Merrill 60 Fort Graham 230 

Clinton 90 Fort Ewell 90 Fort Gates 200 

Gonzales 110 Brownsville 127 Fort Worth 260 

Seguin 115 Fort Ringgold 130 Fort Belknap 300 

Sau Marcos 120 Fort Mcintosh 135 Leaton 400 

New Braunfels 120 Fort Inge 140 El Paso 699 



i98 TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 

DISTANCES FROM ONE FORT TO ANOTHER. 

Port Mclatosh to Fort Ewell, ou the Nueces 60 miles 

Port Mason to Fort Chadbourne, on tlie Concho, on line 32° 120 " 

Port Chadbourne to Phantom Hill, on Clear Fork of Brazos 60 " 

Port Belknap, on Brazos River, to Phantom Hill 75 " 

Port Belknap to Preston, on Red River 170 " 

Port Belknap to Fort Worth, on Triuitj' 100 " 

Port Belknap to Fort Graham, on Brazos 127 '' 

Port Gates, on the Leon, to Fort Graham 50 " 

Port Gates to Fort Croghan, Hamilton Valley 60 " 

Port Croghan to Fredericksburg 60 " 

Port Croghan to City of Austin, on the Colorado 55 " 

Port Croghan to Phantom Hill 177 " 

Port Croghan to Fort Belknap 215 " 

Port McKavitt, on the San Saba, to Fort Territt, on the Llano 24 " 

Port Belknap to Lower or Caddo Agency, on the Brazos 13 " 

Port Belknap to Upper or Comanche Agency, on the Clear Pork of Brazos. 45 " 

Fredericksburg to Fort Mason, on the Llano 40 " 

Ringgold Barracks to Fort Brown, on the Rio Grande 109 " 

Upper to Lower Indian Agency 13 " 

FROM IMPORTANT POINTS TO DIFFERENT FORTS. 

Corpus Christi, on the Nueces, to Ringgold Barracks, on the Rio Grande. ISOmiles- 

Corpus Christi to Fort Mcintosh, on the Rio Grande 140 " 

Corpus Christi to Fort Merrill, on the Nueces 60 " 

San Antonio, on San Antonio River, to Fort Merrill 100 " 

San Antonio to Fredericksburg, on the Perdenales 70 " 

Waco, on the Brazos, to Fort Graham 45 " 

Waco to the City of Austin 100 " 

FROM FORT BELKNAP TO FORT CROGHAN. 

43 Miles, Wood, Grass and Water at all seasons. 



7 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


9 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


12 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


13? 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


m 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


30 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


42 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


45 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


49 i 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do generally. 


58 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


62i 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


71 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do on Fish Creek. 


78i 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do on Cross-Timbers. 


79i 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do ou Cross-Timbers 


83 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


88 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 


89 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do all seasons. 



Observe, the above was measured by a Viameter, and the inequalities of tho 
surface not reduced : duo allowance must therefore be made. 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 



199 



FROM HELENA, ON THE MISSISSIPPI, TO AUSTIN, TEXAS. 

Ilr.LKXA TO Wiiibingtiin, 

Aberdeen, CO miles. Laiiesport, Choc. Na. 

Little Rock, 63 " Clarksville, Texas, 

Columbus, Paris, 

Perriclif'ta, Uonham, 

Roekj' Comfort, Mclvinncy, 



Dallas, 


40 


Waxahacbie, 


35 


250 Waco, 


65 


30 Belton, 


45 


38 Georgetown, 


30 


40 Austin, 


25 



FROM NEW ORLEANS TO SAN ANTONIO, 



Galveston, Houston, Washington or Brenham and Austin. 



miles. 
New Orleans to 

Galveston 450 

Lvncbburg 45 

Ilarrisburg 23 

Houston 12 

Railroad. 

miles. 

Coales 14 

Cypress Citj- 11 

Hockley 10 

Hempstcail 15 

PoST-CoACHES. 

miles. 
Rock Island 10 



AVa.-ibingtou C 

Independence 12 

Brenham 12 

Rutterville 24 

La Grange 6 

Cunningham 13 

Bastrop 20 

WebbervUle 14 

Austin 15 

John's, Rio Blanco... 25 

St. Mark's 5 

Gen. Pitts' 4 

New Brauusfels 16 

Cibolo 14 

Salado 10 



miles. 

■^an Antonio 6 

;2i£r'Tbere is also a Branch 
it Hempstead connecting 
with the above at Brenham. 

miles. 
Hempstead to 

Warren 6 

C'hnppell Hill 8 

Urenbnui 8 

The whole of the above dis- 
ances are only estimated, 
)ut will be found nearly 
'orrect. 



NOTICE TO TRAVELLERS. 



Travellers and Emigrants going West are iiiturnied that the best and most 
direct road from Shreveport, and other points on Red River, to Austin and San 
Antonio, is through the town of Rusk, in Cherokee county. From the latter 
point an excellent road of 12 miles leads to STINSON'S FERRY, at which 
place ferry-boats cross the Nechcs River constantly, causing no detention at 
any stage of water. Wagons, carriages, <ic. are landed on a high and dry ridge 
road, without any mud or river-bottom to pass through. This is on the MAIN 
and principal mail-route leading to Crockett, Hall's Bluif, Bobbins' Ferry, Cincin- 
nati, lluntsville, Washington, and from thence to Austin and San Antonio. 

FnoM Grand Ecork to Waco Vili.agk the route lies through Sabine Town, 
San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Douglass, Linwood, and Alto, on the San Antonio 
Road ; from thence to Sxixsos's Ferry, from which place there is an excellent 
road to Palestine, Magnolia, and Parker's Blufl' on the Trinitj', (distance 25 miles,) 
from thence to Fairlicld, Springfield, and Waco Village ; from thence a tine road 
to Austin and San Antonio. ^5£f'There is at all times a plentiful sujiply of pro- 
vender and forage on the route. Boats cross the river at Sti.nsox's Ferry 
AT all stages of WATER. WM. N. BONNER. 

_^^~ There is a House of Entertainment kept at the ferrj-. Every atten- 
tion given to make man and beast comfortable : and there are various other 
bouses kept on the road. W. N. B. 



00 



TRAVELLERS' GUIDE. 



FROM mEMPHIS TO STIRTSOM'S FERRY— 346 Miles. 



Memphis to St. Francis 40 miles 

St. Francis to Little Rock 112 

"Washington to Fiiltou 14 

Fulton to Sulphur Fork 36 

Sulpliur Pork to Linden 19 

Linden to JefFerson 20 



Jefi'crson to ^Larshall 1(3 miles. 

Mai-shall to Henderson 40 

Henderson to New Salem 20 

New Salem to Rusk 17 

Rusk to Stinson's Ferry 12 



FROM STINSON'S FERRY TO SAN ANTONIO— 265 Miles. 



Stinson's Ferry to Crockett 
Crockett to Robbin's Ferry 
Robbin's Ferr_y to Wheelock 
Wheelock to Brazos 
Bra/.os to Caldwell 



Caldwell to Bastrop 
Bastrop to Loekhart 
Lockhart to Seguin 
Seguin to San Antonio 



50 miles 
30 
30 
SO 



28 miles 

25 

40 

20 

12 I 

FROM GRAND ECORE TO STINSON'S FERRY— 152 Miles. 
Grand Eeore to Fort .Jessiip 25 miles. I San Augui^tinc to Nacogdoches 35 mis 
Fort Jessup to Sabine Town 25 | Nacogdoches to Douglass 15 

Sabine Town to Milam 10 I Douglass to Alto 12 

Milam to San Augustine IS | Alto to Stinson's Ferry 12 

FROM STINSON'S FERRY TO CITY OF AUSTIN— 223 Miles, 
Stinson's Ferry to ilagnolia 25 miles. I Spring-field to Falls Brazos 45 mis. 

Magnolia to Bonner's Ferry 3 | Falls Brazos to Bryant's Ferry 35 

Bonner's Ferry to Fairfield 25 Bryant's Ferry to Georgetown 35 

Fairfield to Springfield 25 | Georgetown to Austin 30 

FROM SHREVEPORT TO STINSON'S FERRY— 114 Miles. 
Shreveport to Brew ster's Blufi' 45 miles. Anadarca to New Salem 6 mile; 

Brewster's Bluff to Ilitson's 22 

Hitson's to Anadarca 12 



New Salem to Rusk 
Rusk to Stinson's Ferry 



17 

12 



FROM STINSON'S FERRY TO CORPUS CHRISTI-369 Miles. 



Stinson's Ferry to Crockett 2S miles 

Crockett to Robbin's Ferry 25 

Robbin's Ferry to Mitchel's 6 

Mitchel's to Plaster's 18 

Plaster's to Roane's 18 

Roane's to Anderson 8 

Anderson to Washington 1(5 



Washington to Independence 12 miles 

Independence to Fuller's 18 

Fuller's to La Grange 30 

La Grange to Clinton 70 

Clinton to Goliad 40 

Goliad to Refugio 30 

Refugio to Corpus Christi 50 



FROM STINSON'S FERRY TO TYLER-227 Miles. 



Stinson's Ferrv to Hall's Bluflf 32 miles. 

Hall's Bluff to Ccntreville 20 

Centreville to Wheelock 28 

Wheelock to Bole's Ferry 22 



Bole's Ferry to Austin 75 miles 

Rusk to Jacksonville 16 
Jacksonville to Larissa S 

Larissa to Tyler 26 



FROM LIBERTY TO HENDERSON-162 Miles. 



Liberty to Livingston 
Livingston to Sumter 
Sumter to Colthorp's Ferry 
on the Neches River 



65 miles. I ddthorp's Ferry to Alto 15 
24 I Alto to Rusk ' 12 

„, I Rusk to Henderson 25 



miles. 



FROM HOUSTON TO HENDERSON— 206 Miles. 



Houston to Hamilton SO miles. 

Iluntsville to Cincinnati 14 

Cincinnati to Crockett 33 



Crockett to Rusk 
Rusk to Henderson 



44 miles. 
35 



MILAM COUNTY. 201 

iniLAnil COUNTY 

Was one of the original twenty-three counties at the organization of the Re- 
public in 183G, since which time out of the territory comprised within its limits 
have been created the following counties : — 

Burleson, March 24, 1846. Erath, Jan. 25, 1856. 

AVilliamson, March 13, 1848. West half of McLennan, Feb. 22, 1850. 

Bell, January 22, 1S50. West half of Falls, January 28, 1850. 

Coryell, February 4, 1854. Eastern portion of Burnet, Feb. 5, 1852. 

Bosque, February 4, 1854. Western portion of Johnson, Feb. 4, 1854. 

Palo Pinto, August 27, 1856. 

Thus, from being one of the largest counties in the State, she is now reduced 
to the limits of very little more than a constitutional county, her area being 
now 1048 square miles. It is bounded on the north by Falls and Bell county, 
on the south by Burleson county, on the west by Williamson county, and on the 
east by the Brazos River, which separates it from Robertson county. It is wa- 
tered by Little River, which empties into the Brazos on the east boundary-line of 
the county. Hog Creek, Pond Creek, West Fork, Indian Creek, Elm Creek, Alli- 
gator, San Gabriel, Turkey Creek, Biushy, Sandy, Cedar, and the heads of the Ye- 
gua. Cameron is the county seat, situate in the Post Oaks, near Little River. 
The lands on the streams are verj' rich ; but, owing to the large number of eleven- 
league grants located within its limits, and the vast amount of litigation caused 
thereby, this countj' has not the number of farmers settled within its limits that 
the quality of the land ought to have attracted. This county is in the Third 
Judicial District. R. E. B. Baylor is the Judge, and N. W. Battle the District 
Attorxey. The court holds its terms on the 4th Monday after the 2d Monday in 
March and September, which is the 5th April and 11th October, 1858, and the 11th 
April and 10th October, 1859. There are two Lodges of the I. 0. of 0. F. Wild'ey 
Lodge, No. 49, on the river Gabriel, which holds its regular meetings on every 
Saturday evening, and La Vinday le Hue Lodge, No. 56, at Cameron, on every 
Tuesday evening. The post-offices are Cameron, Nashville, Port Sullivan and 
Willow Springs. This county derived its name from Col. Benjamin R. Milam, a 
short sketch of whose life is to be found on p. 144 of this book. 

In 1833, there were only five persons settled within the limits of Milam county 
above the Yegua. In 1834, the town of Viesca, at the Falls of the Brazos, was 
laid off, but its name was afterward changed to that of Milam. Early in 1835, 
considerable additions were made to this settlement, and small settlements were 
al formed on Pond Creek and on Little River; and in the fall of 1835 the town 
Nashville, on the Brazos, about three miles below the mouth of Little River, 
was established. In July, 1835, the war broke out with the Indians, and in Oc- 
tober of the same year that with Mexico. At present we will confine ourselves 
exclusively to the Indian warfare carried on in Milam county, as we have obtained, 
from sources that can be relied upon, much information in regard to the stirring 
scenes enacted there bj- our Texian heroes. 

During the months of September and October, surveying-parties were fitted out 

9* 



202 MILAM COUNTY. 

by Thomas A. Graves. While at work on the Sau Gabriel, the Indians attacked 
this company, killing two men : the balance saved themselves by flight. Depre- 
dation after depredation continued ; innumerable small parties of frontier-men 
were fitted out, who, whenever an opportunity offered, did good service; yet the 
Indians were seldom to be seen, although the settlers, to their sorrow, often felt their 
presence. No sooner was a murder committed, or horses stolen, than, even before 
the alarm could be given, the savages had travelled miles upon their way to their 
homes; and, with the characteristic cunning and skill which they ever display 
on their predatory incursions, it was difiicult for the white man to follow their 
trail. Besides, their powers of endurance of fatigue and want of food were far 
beyond those of their pursuers. It is well known that these hardy sons of the 
forest have repeatedly travelled more than one hundred miles, over hill and dale, 
swimming creeks and rivers, without food or rest. Soon after the dispersion of 
the Graves surveying-party, two young men, of the name of Riley, were cross- 
ing the San Gabriel, when they were overtaken by a band of forty Indians. The 
young men, believing from their professions that they were friendly, were perfectly 
at their ease; but as soon as the Indians found that the Americans were off their 
guard they seized one of the young men and cruelly butchered him. No sooner 
did the brother witness this display of treachery than he immediately seized his 
trusty rifle, and, with the unerring aim of a Texian, levelled two of the Indians 
with the earth : the balance of the band, seeing the slaughter pi'oduced by a 
single rifle, fled for safety through the river-bottoms, and some of them in their 
fright jumped off a bluff fifty feet high, into the river, — showing how a little deter- 
mination and valor on the part of the white man will carry confusion and conster- 
nation to the heart of the savage. 

In 1836, owing to the inroads of the Mexicans into Texas, and the incursions of the 
Indians, the settlements above Nashville were almost abandoned, and this por- 
tion of the State presented a desolate appearance. The few citizens who re- 
mained were obliged to seek shelter and safety in the forts at Bryant's Station, 
Tenochtitlan and Nashville. However, in the fall of this year, partial attempts 
were made to again settle the town of Milam at the Falls of the Brazos. This 
settlement was much assisted by two ranging-companies, one of which was sta- 
tioned at the Falls, the other at the Three Forks of Little River. It is not to be 
wondered at that the early settlers of Milam county should have evinced such a 
determined spirit not to abandon the country in the immediate vicinity of the 
Falls, it being of that class known both far and wide as the celebrated weed-prai- 
rie, which for facility of cultivation and immense yield is not to be surpassed by 
the lands in any portion of our State. All that was necessary was to burn off the 
old weeds, and procure an ordinary hoe ; with that the corn or cotton was 
planted. The weeds were then to be kept down by the application of the hoe; 
and under this simple system of husbandry, without the aid of plough, harrow or 
cultivator, horsoi, mules or oxen, the industrious farmer would be rewarded with 
Irom forty to fifty bushels of corn, or five hundred pounds clean cotton fit for the 



MILAM COUNTY. 203 

market, per acre. Yet even these advantages could not be enjoyed without alloy. 
From the immense amount of vegetable matter produced in this fertile valley, 
which was necessarily constantly decomposing, the atmosphere became charged 
with miasma, and much sickness ensued among the settlers. They soon found 
out that, however valuable these weed-prairies were for cultivation, it was 
almost folly for any person to attempt to build his habitation near them ; so, benefit- 
ing by the experience they had gained, they learned to work the weed-prairies, 
but built their houses on the sides of the beautiful hills which surround them, — 
thus obtaining the advantages of pure air, uncontaminated with malaria; 
and, although these prairies have been from that time to this cultivated in 
this rude manner, they continue to yield the same bountiful results which they did 
in olden times. 

In the month of February, 18.36, a company of rangers was stationed as high 
up the country as the Waco Village, one of the most beautiful of the many beau- 
tiful town-sites to be found on the Brazos; but, from the scai'city of provisions and 
the difficulty of conveying the small quantity of the necessaries of life, (and few 
indeed were they that these efficient frontier soldiers required.) they were forced to 
retire to the Falls ; and, notAvithstandiug all their exertions during the months 
of April, May and June, innumerable were the acts of cruelty, and immense was 
the depredation, committed by the savages. And, in consequence of the poverty 
of the Government, these rangers were disbanded, and for a time the magnifi- 
cent region of country between the Colorado and the Brazos was deserted by the 
white man. But as the white man had, for a time, deserted this region of 
country, and as there was no further inducement for the savages to steal, they too 
retired to their villages on the Brazos, as they deemed themselves more secure 
high up the country, where they could enjoy and revel in the fruits of their 
predatory excursions unmolested. 

In the year 1838, the Land-Office was reopened, and a change came over this por- 
tion of the country. With the characteristic love for the acquisition of land that 
is so strongly developed in the American character, swarms of surveyors and 
locaters now filled this portion of the country, all anxious to secure the valuable 
lands to be found in the valleys of the Bosque, Leon, Lampases, Salado, and 
other tributaries of the Brazos ; and although they dared not venture far up the 
country, but were forced to confine themselves within the limits of their previous 
operations in 1837, yet they acted the part in the protection of that portion of 
the country that the spies and soldiers of that year filled, and acted as the pro- 
tectors of those whose homes were then on the frontier. 

In the months of July, August and September, the few inhabitants who 
sought shelter within the forts of Tcuochtitlan and Nashville were continually 
annoyed by the inroads made by the Indians, who, on every occasion, harassed 
them by stealing their horses, — but not always with impunity, for late in the 
month of August, the Indians having succeeded in driving off about fifteen 
head of the best horses in the neighborhood, a company of rangers, under Capt. 



204 MILAM COUNTY. 

Sterling C. Robertson, overtook them on Little River, and, after exchanging a 
few rounds with the enemy, recaptured several of the horses; but. Little Riv^er 
being very high and rapid, before the whole of the Americans could reach the 
opposite bank the Indians were so far advanced in the interior that it would have 
been folly to attempt further pursuit. 

About this time Capt. Hill, who was out on a scout with a small band of 
rangers, near the mouth of Brushy, discovered the trail of about fifty Indians on 
their route to the lower country. Orders were immediately given for a pursuit. 
With the alacrity which is characteristic of the frontier-men of Texas in times 
that require prompt action, each man was without delay in his saddle, his trusty 
companion, the rifle, and necessary accoutrements, slung on his shoulder, his rations 
of dried venison and small sack of coffee slung to his saddle-bow, regardless of the 
toil, fatigue, exposure or dangers he had to encounter, and was soon ready to join 
in the pursuit. After travelling without rest twenty-four hours, the enemy was 
overtaken ; and, after killing three, they routed the balance, who were soon on 
their way to seek safety in their mountain-homes, — thus saving the citizens of the 
lower country from a visit from the marauders, — at a point in the Post Oaks be- 
tween the Yegua and Little River, a portion of the country now laid off and 
known as Burleson county, at that time considered as of but little value, but now 
regarded as one of the finest hog-ranges in Texas. 

In the fall of 1836, another company of rangers was formed, part of which 
was stationed at the Falls, and part at the Forks of Little River, at a point known 
then as Grifiin's. Hard indeed was the life of these brave frontier-men ; their 
sole provisions were those supplied by their guns, their clothing deer-skins 
tanned and fashioned by their own hands ; the only article of luxury they pos- 
sessed was coffee and salt purchased with their own money, — for the Texian Go- 
vernment was too poor to supply them. The few horses that were used were their 
own property, — the most of their duty being performed on foot, without any other 
covering than the rude moccasins made by their own hands, their bed at night 
the bare earth, except for a few of the more fortunate, who could boast that aristo- 
cratic luxury, a buffalo-skin ; and, to cap the climax, the only thing furnished by 
the Government was the ammunition, which was dealt out in such small quanti- 
ties that the most rigid economy was forced to be used by each man, fearful of 
wasting the smallest quantity. 

On the 5th January, 1837, scouts from these two encampments, when passing 
between their respective stations, discovered the trail of a large party of Indians 
on foot. A iJarty of fourteen men, under Sergeant Erath, was detached, and on 
the 6th he fell in with their encampments of the preceding evening. It was sup- 
posed they must have numbered over one hundred warriors. With the caution they 
had been taught in their previous skirmishes with the Indians, notwithstanding the 
immense difference in their number, this Spartan band coolly and deliberately, 
on the night of the 6th, followed their trail, and at da3'light on the morning 
of the 7th overtook the Indians, when the rangers immediately opened fire 



MILAM COUXTY. 205 

ii[i(in thoui, which was as warmly rcturued. For some time the battle raged 
hotly : the Indians, from their superiority in numbers over the Americans, becoming 
confident of success, fought with a determination seldom evinced by them. Alter- 
nately it appeared that each party would be successful ; but, despite the military 
skill and bravery of the Americans, they were forced at length to give way to the 
enemy, — the Indians, in consequence of their immense superiority in numbers, 
having succeeded in outflanking the rangers and killing two of their men. The 
savages, notwithstanding their success, being impressed with the idea that discre- 
tion was the better part of valor, retreated to the upper country, having to deplore 
the loss of ten of their partj'. 

Shortly after this, a new company was formed at Little River, and, the old 
company having united with them, thej' marched to the Waco Village. On their 
arrival at that place they found the huts of the Indians still standing, the corn- 
stalks in their fields, and a number of peach-trees in fine condition. As usual, this 
company had to subsist on game ; and, as it was known that the Indians were 
secreted in the immediate vicinity, it was dangerous to hunt; and, as no corre- 
spondence could be obtained from the lower country, they sufiFered privations for a 
period of four weeks, when thej' were again compelled to fall back to their old 
station at the Falls. 

In the spring, the settlements were annoyed by innumerable hordes of Indians, 
who became so emboldened by the defenceless state of the settlers, that in broad 
daylight their horses were stampeded and run off. This state of things could 
not long exist : expresses were sent to the small remnant of the company at the 
Falls. In half an hour after the express had arrived, the rangers were mounted, 
and each brave spirit panting to be on the march. Soon the word was given, 
and on they rushed, over hill and dale, bent upon overtaking the marauders. 
Little cared they for the magnificent scenery of the Bosque : the JIaiu Stream, 
the Middle and South Prong, were passed with perfect inditTereuce, their beauties 
unnoticed, — each brave heart engrossed only with the business in hand, all anxious 
to annihilate the space between themselves and their foe. They succeeded at last 
in driving them far up into the country, and then returned to the Falls by the Waco 
Village. 

The Indians, not satisfied, again returned during the summer, and on the spot 
where the town of Cameron is now situated they succeeded in murdering five 
citizens. Under this state of things, it became absolutely necessary to call in the 
detachments of rangers that were scattered, and concentrate them at Nashville. 
Galling indeed to our settlers was this state of aflairs. Smarting under the loss 
of their five comrades, the trumpet's shrill bray was heard amidst the settlement : 
sixty-six brave and hardy men responded to the call, whose rendezvous was Bry- 
ant's Fort, at Little River, where Capt. Eastland, taking command of this volun- 
teer band of brothers, scouixd the country and penetrated far beyond any region 
which had ever before been gazed on by the white man. Passing up the divide 



206 MILAM COUNTY. 

between the waters of the Bosque and the tributaries of Little River, around the 
extreQie heads of both streams, — for they almost interlock one another, — they 
crossed the rich region of country watered by the Palo Pinto, and proceeded up 
the Clear Fork of the Brazos nearly to its head, thus penetrating a distance of over 
300 miles above the settlements, and enduring privations that our hearts would 
sicken to record. The company was forced by famine to return home, as even 
game failed them; and, to afford a chance for subsistence, it became necessary for 
them to divide themselves into several small squads and make their way to the 
settlements as best they could. These small parties as they returned home met 
several bands of Indians, with whom they had many skirmishes, but with uniform 
success. The majority of these bands struck across the country to the head of 
Pecan Bayou, a branch of the Colorado, and, having followed that stream down, 
reached their homes in safety ; but a small number who resided in the vicinity of 
Nashville, when they had travelled down Pecan Bayou some fifty miles, deter- 
mined to strike for home, thus affording a better chance for all parties to subsist. 
Of these, only eight succeeded in reaching home, — they having met the Indians 
and succeeded in capturing seven horses. 

In the fall of 1839, at an election for officers of the region of country then 
known as Milam county, comprising an area of about one-sixth of the State of 
Texas, there were only forty-nine votes polled, — thus showing the sparseness of the 
population of that region of country. About this time the gallant Colonel Neill 
was fitting out an expedition of 300 men to attack the Indians at a point on the 
upper waters of the Brazos known then as Jose Maria Village, named after the 
chief of the tribe. This village is situated on the Brazos, opposite Steele's Creek, 
and is the spot occupied by the United States Government as Fort Graham. From 
the beauty of the scenery, the pure water, and the rich lands, so easily cultivated 
with the rude implements of Indian husbandry, this was ever the favorite abode 
of that portion of the band who acknowledged Jose Maria as their head; and to 
this day does that gallant Indian regret the loss of his favorite village. But the 
inroads of the savages on the whites had been too often repeated and too keenly 
felt by the whites to be borne patiently; so this expedition was fitted out, 
and on the 25th October, 1838, Jose Maria Village was the scene of deadly strife. 
Gallantly did the Indians contend for their homes ; feats of valor and determined 
courage were displayed by them worthy of record. But it was of no avail to them : 
they had to contend against the choicest spirits to be found on the Texian fron- 
tiers, led by the invincible Col. Neill. Soon, despite the skill and courage of the 
red men, they had to give way to superior military discipline. Flight to them 
was inevitable ; they gave way and were pursued ; and many a spot can now be 
shown which was dyed with the red man's blood on that memorable occasion. 
Col. Neill and his hardy band scoured the Brazos country far above the Comanche 
Peak, carrying death and desolation to the hearths of the Indians who fled before 
them. Determined to do his duty, he returned home by the Trinity River, scouring 
the country as he passed through it. 



MILAxM COUNTY, 207 

About tho same time that Col. Neill so successfully carried out his expedition on 
the Upper Brazos, the Cherokee Indians, who had been routed and defeated east- 
wardly, during the summer, bj' Gen. Burleson's command, passed through Milam 
county, moving in small parties westwardly, endeavoring thereby to seek a home 
among the Mexicans, their footsteps, as usual, marked by bloodshed and rapine. 
They concentrated on Pecan Bayou, a branch of the Colorado, as their winter- 
quarters, preparatory, as they pretended, to their emigration in the spring. Gen. 
Burleson, who well knew their character, and that they were not to bo depended 
upon, determined to attack them, and on the same day that Col. Neal routed the 
Indians on the Brazos, Gen, Burleson achieved a glorious victory over the Indians 
on the Pecan Baj'ou. 

"While these scenes were being enacted on the Main Brazos and Pecan Bayou, 
Capt. George B. Erath, with a party of fourteen men, in passing from the waters 
of the Upper Leon to those of the Bosque, met on Meridian Creek a band of Che- 
rokee Indians : their camp was taken, and those who survived found safety in 
flight. Capt. Erath then returned to the settlements; but in November he planned 
another expedition to the upper country, and again had to contend with another 
band of Indians, which he routed. leaving performed this service, he turned his 
face homeward, and, being a deputy surveyor of Milam county, as well as a 
Texian soldier, when they reached that noble stream the Bosque, his soldiers, 
being struck with the beauty of the country, soon forgot their military character 
and in right good earnest turned in to take up these lands. These were the first 
locations made on the Bosque; and so valuable were these lands that the party 
did not leave off surveying until they were forced to do so by famine. 

In consequence of the success of these three expeditions, the year 1S40 opened 
more brightly: for the prowess of our gallant frontier-men had struck terror to 
the hearts of the Indians, and the surve3'ors were enabled to make several trips 
to the Bosque without molestation. This state of things continued until June, 
when the Indians again became troublesome; but our frontier-men once more took 
the field in small parties, and were again successful. 

It was during this year that Col. Wm, G. Cooke, with a regiment of regulars, 
marched through the country from Austin to Red Iliver, thus passing directly 
through the whole of Milam county, crossing the San Gabriel at or near where 
Georgetown, the county-seat of Williamson county, is now situated; Little River, 
at the Three Forks; the Brazos River, at Waco Village, and the Trinity, at Por- 
ter's Bluff. His trail has now become the main road by which emigrants from 
the older States, seeking a homo in Texas by land, are Wjcnding their way in count- 
less numbers. 

About this time, Brj-ant's Fort was established on Little River, and the security 
which this fortification offered induced several families to settle in the immediate 
vicinity, — thus forming the nucleus of what is now a large and flourishing settle- 
ment. 



208 MILAM COUNTY. 

The frequent passing to and fro of armed men through the country alarmed 
the Indians, and their depredations became for a while less frequent, — being 
aware it was much safer to confine themselves to the region of country above the 
Comanche Peak, and only approaching the settlements for the purpose of hunting 
and trading As soon as their wants were supplied they would start their women 
and baggage homeward, while the warriors would make flying visits to the settle- 
ments, as they are particularly fond of the fine American horses that were about 
being introduced at that time into the country : they could not withstand the temp- 
tation, regardless if in these incursions it became necessary, to carry out their ends, 
that their hands should be stained with the blood of the defenceless white man. 

In consequence of the frequency of these incursions, Capt. Erath was commis- 
sioned, in July, 1840, to raise a small party of men and proceed as high up the 
Brazos as practicable, to spy out their hiding-places. In August, when in the 
neighborhood of the Comanche Peak with a company of only eight men, be fell 
in with several parties of Indians on their hunting-expeditions ; and they, presum- 
ing that this small party was only the advance of a larger force, almost always 
fled, although on one occasion they succeeded in surprising a party of Indians, 
and during the fight one Indian was killed and one wounded. This small band 
obtained much valuable information, and all returned before the close of the year 
to the settlements in safety. In consequence of this, the settlement on Little 
River continued to increase. 

Notwithstanding all the chastisement the Indians had received, it was found 
absolutely necessary, early in 1841, that another expedition should be fitted out. 
This expedition was confided to General Edwin Morehouse. After proceeding up 
the Brazos as far as the Caddo Village, twelve miles above the Comanche Peak, he 
struck across the country to the Trinity, burning their villages, but killing very 
few of the Indian warriors, and always sparing the women and children. The 
labors of this expedition closed about the end of February. Capt. Erath here rendered 
important services as captain of the spy-company, a situation he was fully qualified 
for, from his intimate knowledge of the country, his coolness, skill and bravery. 

About this time the llepublic of Texas, being without funds, and her currency 
being depreciated, found it absolutely necessary to disband her regular army and 
trust the frontier-defence to what were termed minute-men. The suffering of these 
men was such as none but brave and ardent minds could have endured : without 
money, camp-equipage, provisions, except that procured by their trusty rifles, they 
still stood firm in the good cause, afibrding protection to the settlers below. But 
the crops failed ; Texas money depreciated ; immigration ceased, and, consequently, 
the settlements in Milam county sufiercd severely. 



BURNET COUNTY 
Was laid off out of part of Milam and Travis county. It is bounded on the north 
byLampases county, on the south by Hays county, on the east by Travis and 



BURNET COUNTY. 209 

Williamson counties, and on the west by Gillespie and Llano counties. Its area 
is 1095 square miles. It is within the limits of the Seventeenth Judicial District. 
E. II. Vontrcss is the Jitdgk and R. T. Poscj- the District Attorney; and the 
terms of the District Court are held on the third Monday after the first Monday in 
March and September, the 22d of March and 27th of September, 1S58, and the 
28th of March and 26th of September, 1859. The Notaries Public are A. R. 
Johnson and Thomas Moore. This is a well-watered county : the Colorado River, 
Cypress Creek, Little Cy]3rcss Creek, Doable Horn, North Fork of the Perdenales, 
Flat Rock Creek, the Llano River, Deer Creek and the head-waters of the Gabriel 
are within its limits. The post-oflBces are Burnet Court-Uouse and Oatmeal 
Springs. 

Burnet county presents as many peculiarities perhaps as any other in the State. 
It is situated on both sides of the Colorado River, about fortj' miles above the 
city of Austin, in what is commonly designated as the "Mountain-Region." It 
crosses the divide between the waters of the Brazos and Colorado, including a 
large portion of the beautiful undulating prairie-country on the" head-waters of 
the San Gabriel River. Its area is about eleven hundred square miles. South of 
the divide is found a remarkable alternation of rugged hills and fertile valleys. 
It is well supplied with fine springs and clear streams meandering through its 
numerous vallej-s. Man}' of the hills are covered with a dense forest of " mountain 
cedar." The vallej's arc about half covered with timber; the remainder are small 
prairies. 

Here the farmer can find almost any kind of soil ho desires, whether it bo 
the black stiff soil, the black sandy loam, the mulatto or the deep red. The soil 
is generally rich and very productive, not only in the valleys, but upon the plains 
also. Perhaps there is no part of the State better adapted to stock-raising than 
Burnet county; almost every part is covered with a luxuriant coat of mixed 
grasses. Here they have not only early spring and summer pasturage, but also 
the greatest abundance of the mezquite and other grasses to supply the stock 
during the fall and winter. Indeed, they have fine fat beeves even in the winter 
and spring that have never been fed a single ounce in their lives. 

Hogs do well here on the mast supplied by the different species of the oak, 
pecan, Ac. The county is admirably adapted to the growth of sheep, goats, horses, 
mules, neat cattle, &c., as well as to farming-purposes generally. Nor is this all- 
It possesses an unlimited amount of water-power, as well as an abundance of 
timber. 

There are two towns projected at the foot of the Great Falls of the Colorado, 
Marble Falls City on the west side and Moorestown on the east side, the proprie- 
tors of each town-site claiming that their peculiar locality is destined to be tho 
Lowell of Texas. To test the advantages of these falls, the proprietors of 
Moorestown (which, it must be borne in miud, is a city only in name and on 
paper) secured the services of Mr. B. F. Turner, an engineer from New York, to 
make a thorough examination of the advantages to be found on the east side of 



210 BURNET COUNTY. 

the river ; and, as its perusal may be of interest to many besides the proprietors of 
the town, we have determined to give a portion of the report of Mr. Turner, 
which is as follows : — 

The Colorado River at this place is from SOO to' 850 feet in width ; and at the 
upper falls, which are formed by three perpendicular ledges extending the whole 
breadth of the river, the total fall of the river, from the head of the upper fall to 
the foot of the lower one, is 20 5-10 feet, gained, on that side of the river upon 
which the city is laid out, in about 1250 feet of distance. In descending the 
river, two or three rapids are met with, of from two to four feet fall, but unimport- 
ant in a manufacturing point of view. At the distance of about 6000 feet, or 1 1-5 
miles below the upper falls, directly opposite the lower portion of the city, the 
river, at high stages of the water, falls perpendicularly a height of 9 feet over a 
dam of beautiful variegated marble. In the present low stats of the water, how- 
ever, the water is confined in a narrow channel of about 60 feet in width, at the 
westerly side of the rivei', and falls the above-mentioned height in about 60 feet 
of distance, leaving the greater part of the dam dry, and in a condition for quarry- 
ing the marble of which it is composed, which can be done to a large extent with- 
out injuring it for the purposes of a dam. 

The total fall from the head of the upper falls to the foot of the lower falls is 
46 7-10 feet. 

The time which I felt authorized to expend upon this survey and examination 
would not admit of entering minutely and in detail into all the calculations 
necessary to give the actual power available at these falls. I have endeavored to 
arrive at an approximation to it, and believe that the results may be relied upon 
as essentially correct. 

The river discharges, at the present stage of the water, at least 1,000,000 gallons 
per minute, which at the upper falls is equal to about 4850 horse power. In 
practice it will be found that not more than about 60 per cent, of this power can 
be made available, which would equal 2970 eifectiv'e horses' power, sufficient to 
drive 240,000 self-acting spindles with the attendant machinery. At the lower 
falls the amount discharged will give 1309 effective horses' power, capable of driving 
150,000 self-acting spindles with the other necessary machinery. 

It will be seen by the map that I have laid out no race or canal for taking the 
water from the main stream. This was in consequence of my favoring the opinion 
at first that the water could be taken from the head of the falls, in cylindrical 
tubes of wood or cast iron, to where it might be needed for use ; but a further 
examination of the subject has led me to the conclusion that a race of suflicient 
capacity to make available the efiective power will be found altogether superior 
to the other method of obtaining the water, although constructed at several times 
the cost of the former method. In fact, I am convinced that the latter is the only 
proper method of developing this immense water-privilege, and of building up 
the city adjacent thereto. A glance at the map will show at once what the loca- 
tion of the races should be, taking the water from the head of the falls and ex- 



BURNET COUNTY. 211 

tending tho lino of the canal toward River Street, so as to reach it about oppo- 
site tlie foot of the upper falls, and at about four hundred feet from the lower falls, 
so as to admit of locating the manufaeturiag-buildings between it and the river, 
and gaining access to those buildings by bridges at convenient points. 

The advantages found here for manufacturing-purposes are rarely to bo met 
with. The great quantity of water and consequent power as indicated above, the 
rocky line of the shore, and its elevated position, by means of which all danger of 
damages from floods (which is no unimportant advantage, when the sudden rises 
of this river are taken into consideration) is obviated, tho vast quantity of build- 
ing-material, both of e.\cellent stone and cedar-lumber, ready at hand, tho small 
amount, and in fact the entire absence, of competition in almost all branches of 
manufacturing-industry, together with the extensive quarry of excellent marble 
for useful and ornamental purposes, all afford the greatest encouragement for 
manufacturing-capitalists to invest funds here with the certainty of a speedy re- 
muneration. 

VALUABLE WATER-POWER. 

That desirable location known as Moorestown, situated at the Great Falls of the 
Colorado River, about fifty miles from the city of Austin, is now offered for sale on 
very advantageous terms. This splendid water-power presents advantages for im- 
provements rarely to be met with. The river hero has a fall of i&h feet in about 
one mile, so divided as to make several mill-sites, and the vast amount of water 
aS'orded furnishes an immense amount of power. The tract consists of 580 acres 
at the lower falls, on the west side of the river, a considerable part of which is 
covered with excellent cedar timber for building-purposes. The advantages com- 
bined in this location are rarely equalled by the manufacturing-cities at the North. 
Further description is deemed unnecessary, as the property must be seen to be ap- 
preciated. To a company of manufacturing-capitalists an undivided half-interest 
would be sold, and to those of smaller means, who desire to improve, building-lots 
would be sold on very low terms. 

Within tho limits of this county is situated the immense WATER-POWER 
afforded by Bonnet Springs, a tributary of the San Saba River, which is now for 
sale or would be leased to a company for a term of years on advantageous terms. 
Tho water-privilege is well worthy the attention of capitalists, situated as it is in the 
rich and fertile valley of the San Saba River, a section of Texas that will ere long 
prove itself the granary of our State, owing to its superior adaptation for tho cultiva- 
tion of wheat. To be appreciated, this section of country need only to be known 
for its manufacturing-facilities, as well as for the fertility of the soil, the superiority 
of its cold, limpid spring- water, the magnificence of the surroundin" scenery the 
salubrity, elastic and bracing quality of its invigorating climate, and its hunting and 
fishing facilities. 



212 COKYELL COUNTY. 

CORYELL COUNTY 

Is bounded on the north by Comanche and part of Bosque county, on the east by 
Bosque and McLennan counties, on the south by Bell county, and on the west by 
Lampases and Comanche. The principal stream that runs through this county is 
the Leon, a tributary of the Brazos River. It is, however, watered by Cave Creek. 
Coryell Creek, Owl Creek, Cowhouse Creek, Table Rock Creek and Plum Creek. 
Its area is 960 square miles. This county is included in the Third Judicial District, 
which is presided over by Judge R. E. B. Baylor; the District Attorney is N. W. 
Battle. There are two terms of the District Court each year, of one week each, 
commencing on the eighth Monday after the second Monday in March and Septem- 
ber, being the 3d May and 8th November, 1858, and the 9th May and 7th Novem- 
ber, 1859. The Notaries Public are David Crawford, Charles P. Karnes, Wm. H. 
Paddy, B. Hoden, Samuel P. Clymer and John C. Russell. 

This county is conveniently divided into prairie-valleys, timber-land and moun- 
tains. The Leon River is the main stream, and enters the county about ten miles 
south of the northwest corner; it then makes a turn more southward, and runs 
near the centre of the county, thence out to the south of the northeast corner, 
about eight miles. The main tributary of the Leon on the north is Coryell 
Creek, which has its source near the northwest corner of the county and runs 
southeast to the Leon, about twelve miles below Gatesville. East of this stream 
and the Leon is a fine prairie stock-country. The prairie will soon be dotted with 
settlements and small farms. Rails delivered on this prairie cost from two 
and a half to three and a half dollars per hundred. There are mountains on both 
sides of Coryell Creek, which furnish large quantities of cedar. The valleys on 
this creek are generally small. 

Leon valleys are of different sizes, the best of soil, and produce all kinds of 
grain in abundance. There are some sandy post-oak ridges, affording an abundance 
of mast. There are several small streams running into the Leon from the south- 
west side, the largest of which are Plum Creek, Henson's Creek, and Owl Creek : 
the first of those empties into the Leon above Gatesville, the second ten miles 
below, the third below the county-line, in Bell county. 

These streams all have their hills and valleys, — some very pretty ones for 
small farmers, first-rate land, timber on the hills or mountains, and on the creeks ; 
good for hogs, sheep, and small stocks of cattle or horses. 

Cowhouse Creek is a large stream, having its source in Comanche county, and 
runs nearly east through the county. The bodies of good land are from a quarter 
to a half mile wide, — chiefly prairie, with timber on the creek for building, fire- 
wood and fencing. A very good stock-country, and well watered. This stream 
empties into the Leon in Bell county, six miles above Belton. Fencing on Cow- 
house would cost two or three dollars per hundred rails. 

Deep ploughing has proved to be the best mode of preparing the land : there- 
fore the motto is " plough deep." Subsoiling has not been tried with the regular 
subsoil plough, but I think it would be the best for this soil. 



McLENNAN COUNTY. 213 

Gatesville, tho county scat, is the only town. It is pleasantly situated on the 
north side of the Leon, on an eminence. The town consists of about fifty houses, 
including court-house, jail, shops and oflSces. There are at present but one store 
and two groceries. They have three lawyers, two physicians, (who have but little 
to do,) two hotels, <te. The town ought to improve faster; but the severe drought of 
the two past seasons has been a great drawback to both town and county. 

The population is from all the States south of Mason and Di.Ton's line, prin- 
cipally from the western portion of the Southern States, and a few from Illinois 
and Indiana. The society is good; churches are being built in various parts of the 
county. Improved lands can be bought at from three to six dollars per acre, unim- 
proved lands at from two to five dollars. There are some very good little spots of 
vacant land. There are some caves in the mountains; but none, I believe, have been 
explored. Some of the finest grapes in Texas or the United States grow here, with 
flavor unsurpassed. They ripen about the 1st of September. From Austin to 
Gatesville the distance is about eighty miles, — the nearest and the best route being 
by Georgetown, thence by the Fort Gates Military Road. 

— "«<^i>i<$€-J-- — 



WIcLENNAN COUNTY 

Was formed out of Milam and llobertson counties, and is bounded on the north 
by Bosque and Hill counties, on the south by Falls county, on the east by 
Limestone county, and on the west by Coryell and Bell counties. Its area is 
9G0 square miles. The Brazos River meanders its way through this county, its 
general course being S. 30° E. Besides the Brazos River, this county is watered 
by the Main Bosque, the Middle Bosque, the South Bosque, Hog Creek, Davis 
Creek, Childres' Creek, Bluff Creek, Harris' Creek, Wasp Creek, Lake Creek, Bear 
Creek, Turtle Baj'ou, Tahuacana Creek, Elm Fork, Otter Creek and the Aquilla. 
This countj' is attached to the Third Judicial District, which commences its ses- 
sions on the fifth Monday after the second Muiulay in March and September, which 
falls upon the 12th April and 18th October, 185S,and the 18th April and 17th October, 
1859, and holds its sessions two weeks ; R. E. B. Baylor is District Judge, and N. 
W. Battle District Attorney. The Notaries Public are J. W. Nolan, George W* 
Cook, C. M. Hubby, Richard Coke, M. D. Herring and A. J. Evans. The post- 
offices established in this county are at AVaco, Blue Bluff, Bold Spring and Perry. 

Although this cannot be called a heavily-timbered country, it has on its water- 
courses a sufficiency of timber for farming and ordinary building-purposes; be- 
sides this, thej' have excellent building-rock, which is easily obtained, and an 
abundance of clay of good quality for brickmaking. The county produces ad- 
mirable crops of corn, cotton, wheat, and all the other cereals. This county was 
created in the winter of 1849, and was organized in 1800, in the spring. 

Tho county scat is Waco, situated near the centre of the county, on a high and 
moderately-sandy blu£f on the west bank of the Brazos River, and contains about 



214 PAYETTE COUNTY. 

two thousand inhabitants. There is a beautiful spring at the foot of the main 
street, which, by a wise provision when the town was laid out, was declared to be 
public property. The main stage-road from San Antonio to Dallas passes along 
Main Street, and as you cross the Brazos River in the ferry-boat there is a beau- 
tiful view of this fine spring, which is estimated to pour one hundred gallons a 
minute, as its tribute, into the Brazos River, here two hundred yards wide. 
There is also a fine spring-branch running through the upper edge of the town, 
and Waco Creek supplies the citizens of the lower edge of the town with an ample 
supply of water. 

On the 28th of February, 1849, Capt. S. P. Ross, with his family, together with 
Carey White, made the first settlement at this point, which must have been gratify- 
ing to Capt. Tom Barron, who previously was the only settler in that neighbor- 
hood, his farm being on the tract just above the town-tract. Now there is a solid 
fence for six miles south of the town, and every season it is increasing. Be- 
sides this, the cause of education has not been neglected, as there are no less 
than twelve schools in the countj', among which are a high-school for males, and 
two female academies. There are also three churches in this town, two of them 
being brick buildings : the denominations are Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian. 
Live Oak Lodge, No. 54, L 0. of 0. F., holds its meetings every Monday evening ; 
Waco Chapter Royal Arch Masons, No. 45, holds its meetings at Waco, every 
second Friday in each month ,• Waco Lodge, A. Y. M., No. 92, holds its meetings 
at Waco, on the Saturday before every full moon ; Bosque Lodge, No. 171, A. Y. 
M., is located on the forks of the Bosque and Brazos River ; Waco Temple of 
Honor holds its meetings at Waco, on the first and third Friday in each month. 

This county derived its name from Neil McLennan, Sen., the Patriarch of the 
Bosque, an account of whose life will be found on page 154 of this book. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Fayette county is bounded on the north by Washington county, on the south by 
Lavaca county, on the east by Austin county and part of Colorado county, and 
on the west by Bastrop and part of Gonzales county. The river Colorado passes 
through this county : its general course is southeast. It is watered by Pin Oak Creek, 
Alum Creek, Copperas Creek, Piney Creek; Sandy Creek on the north and Sandy 
Creek on the south side of the Colorado, Walnut Creek, Cedar Creek. This county 
is situated in the First Judicial District; the District Judge is James H. Bell, the 
District Attorney is W. B. Wilson. The Notaries Public are U. Gregory, 
William Lewis, William G. Webb, James G. Garther, W. B. Anderson and N. M. 
Mainfee. The area of this county is 1025 square miles. The post-offices are La 
Grange, Black Springs, Fayetteville, Lyons, Pin Oak, Round Top and Rutterville. 
The District Court is held on the sixth Monday after the first Monday in April and 
November, May 17th and November 15th, 1858, and May 16th and November 14th, 
1859. La Grange Lodge, No. 30, I. 0. of 0. F., holds its meetings here on every 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 215 

Saturday evening. This is one of the few upper counties that are well supplied 
with pine timber; consequently there are several valuable and extensive saw-mills 
within its limits. 

At an early period the Methodists established an institution of learning at the 
town of Rutterville, which was named Rutterville College, after one of the most 
indefatigable and talented preachers of their body, who did good and faithful work 
in their behalf. Not being able to support this institution as they wished, and still 
being desirous of retaining within its limits an institution of learning of a high 
order, the citizens of the county sueeecdcd in establisliing the 

TEXAS MONUMENT AND MILITARY INSTITUTE. 

The institute opened at Rutterville, October 1st, 1856. College year, forty weeks, 
divided into two sessions. Vacation, July 1 to Aug. ."!], and a holiday of one week 
or ten days at Christmas. 

Board of Trustees of Texas Monument and Military Institute, appointed by 
the Legislature, July, 1856.— Wm. J. Russell, Dr. M. B. Posey, John Rabb, J. R. 
Robinson, Seth L. Randall, Col. C. G. Forshey, Supt. of the Institute, Rutterville; 
C. S. Longcope, Wm. G. Webb, E. V. McAshan, Dr. D. G. Gregory, Joseph Shaw, 
Judge S. S. Munger, J. B. McFarland, Hon. J. W. Daneey, La Grange ; Dr. J. 
B. Robertson, Independence ; Hon. Ashbel Smith, Houston ; Gen. Hugh McLeod, 
Galveston; R. B. Jarmon, Esq., Fayetteville; F. Gaither, Esq., Round Top. 

Discipline, military ; the drill of company and battalion, and guard-duty, taught 
practically. 

COURSE OF STUDIES, similar to that of other State Military Institutes,— 
different from usual college-courses chiefly in its greater thoroughness in the 
sciences, and in substituting the French language for the Greek in the regular 
course. An irregular course may bo pursued at the option of the parent, the 
Superintendent judging of fitness. 

DRESS, uniform, viz. : summer undress, linen jackets and pants ; winter un- 
dress, gray cloth jackets and pants; dress suits, blue frocks, light-blue pants, and 
blue cloth caps, for winter; same for summer, except white pants. 

PUNISHMENTS, demerit-marks, confinement to limits, to (juarters, to gu.ard- 
room, arrest, dismission, expulsion. 

CADETSHIP, attained by parents or guardians signing with applicant pledge 
of obedience to law ; by passing examination in reading, writing and arithmetio 
through the table and simple rules, provided applicants arc twelve years old and 
fifty-two inches high, and have been honorably discharged from their former schools. 

CHARGES. — Tuition in Academic department, $30 per session. 
" " Collegiate do. 50 " " 

Board, washing, lights and fuel, 12 " month. 
Library Fund, 5 '" year. 

Tuition refunded only in case of protracted illness or death. 

All payable one session in advance. No Cadet will be permitted to owe the 



216 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Institute. The Superintendent will receive and disburse money for Cadets. Spend- 
ing-mouey furnished the Cadets by the Supei-intendent only. Cadets pay for all 
their own furniture, make their own beds and police their own rooms, and attend 
some church on Sunday. They are not permitted to keep horses or arms. 

No classes will be created for irregulars, or those entering at irregular times, 
except temporarily, to overtake a class. They must recite with classes already 
created. No Cadets admitted for terms shorter than a session, or to the end of 
the current session. Fragments of sessions will be charged above pro rata. Appli- 
cants for Cadetship not passing examination may enter the Rutterville Primary 
School and make their preparation at Primary School rates. 

Note. — The Academic department of the Institute embraces English studies 
only ; the Collegiate department embraces Ancient and Modern Languages, and 
Mathematics, from Algebra upward, and is not entered under 14 years nor com- 
pleted under 18 years of age. 

Address inquiries to CALEB G. FORSIIEY, Supcriutcndeut of the Texas 
Military Institute, Rutterville, Texas, or to any member of the Board of Trustees. 

DISCIPLINE AND POLICE.— The utmost precision in discharging the duties 
prescribed, unremitting devotion to study, and absolute obedience to those in 
authority, will be exacted from every Cadet admitted to the Institute. 

ORDER OF THE DAY. — Reveille at daylight, at which cadets parade, and 
answer to their names at roll-call ; they then retire to their rooms and put them 
in proper police for inspection, iu fifteen minutes after breaking ranks. Study- 
hours till breakfast. Recreation till SJ A.M. [Roll-call.] Study and recitation 
hours till half-past 12. Recreation [including dinner] till 2 P.M. Study and 
recitation till 4 P.M. [Roll-call.] Drill tOl 5. Evening parade at 5 P.M. 
Recreation [including supper and prayers] till 7i. [Roll-call.] Study-hours till 
tattoo. [Roll-call.] Tattoo at 9 P.M. [Roll-call.] Taps at 9, when lights 
must be extinguished and cadets all iu bed. Inspection by ofiBcers immediately 
after taps and during night. Summer hours, study and recitation till 5 P.M. Drill 
till 6. Evening parade at 6. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Washington county is bounded on the north by the I'egua River, which sepa- 
rates it from Burleson county ; on the south bj' Austin and Fayette counties ; on 
the east by the Brazos River, which divides it from part of Austin and Grimes 
counties; and on the west by parts of Bastrop and Fayette counties. This county 
was originally part of the municipality of that name, which was a portion 
of the municipality of Bexar, and was, in 18.36, one of the twenty-three counties 
created at the time of the organization of the Republic. Brenham is the county 
town ; but there are several others within its limits. The principal of these 
are Washington, on the Brazos, — a very important commerciaJ o-iit, — Inde- 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 217 

pendence and Jacksonville. Besides the Brazos River, which is the eastern 
boundary of the county, the streams are Caney Creek, New Year's Creek, 
Jackson's Creek, Doe Run, Kendall's Creek, Wolf Creek, Cedar Creek, Mill 
Creek and the Yegua River, which is its northern boundary. The District Court 
of this county sits on the second Monday in March and September, March 8th 
and September 13th, 1858, and March 14th and September 12th, 1859. R. E. B. 
Baylor is the Judge, and N. W. Battle the District Attorney. The post-offices 
are Washington, Brenham, Chappell Ilill, Independence, Jacksonville, Montville, 
Gay Hill, Long Point, Union Hill, Union Grove. 

Washington county derived its name from the immortal George Washington, 
which plainly indicates that even when their lot is cast in a distant land the 
American people cannot be forgetful of the services of the father of his country, — 
for long before we became a nation one of the departments was known as the 
Department of Washington. Pcrhajis there is no county in the State which, for its 
area, which is only 726 square miles, contains larger bodies of first-class land than 
does this county. The fertility of the Brazos bottom-lands is really astonishing. 
It is true that they are sometimes submerged; but this, instead of injuring 
them, really benefits them, — as the crops of the years of overflow are always 
not only much larger, but much more easily cultivated. In the neighborhood of 
Rock Island the growth of cotton is enormous, while the rich black prairies are 
not easily surpassed. 

There are two literary institutions of high character in this county, viz. : — 

LIVE-OAK FEMALE SEMINARY, GAT HILL. 
This institution is in the country, remote from all the temptations of a village 
or city, healthy and beautiful in location, and surrounded by one of the best neigh- 
borhoods in the State. The location was chosen and fitted up by the Superintendent 
especially for a permanent female school. 

The sixth year will commence the first Monday of February next. 

Rev. J. W. Miller, Superintendent. 

Mrs. R. K. Red, Principal. 

Mr. Joiner, Teacher of Music, <fec. 

Mr. M. Gerard, Drawing, &c. 

TERMS. 
For Board, Lodging, Washing, Light and Fuel, per month, $12. Tuition, 
according to studies, $2 to $4. Drawing, Painting and Embroidery, extra, $5. 

Half of all sessional bills in advance, and the balance before the young lady is 
taken away. Strict compliance will secure the parties a deduction of 5 per cent., 
and non-compliance an addition of 10 per cent, ujidn the whole bill. 
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 
s located at Independence, a beautiful and quiet village in Washington CO., 
ou the great stage-road from Houston and San Augustine to the city of Austin. 
The citizens of Independence and the immediate vicinity are unsurpassed in the 

10 



218 BASTROP COUNTY. 

State for intelligence, and moral and religious worth. The refined society, splendid 
landscapes and beautiful live-oak groves all combine to make Independence an 
eligible point for a great literary institution. 

The statistics of the Baylor University show that no institution in America 
has been healthier. During the last five years, the average number of students 
in both departments has been 150, and during all this time there have been only two 
deaths, and neither of these was from any local cause. It often happens that 
students who come here in bad health soon become vigorous and strong. Tuition 
in the Preparatory Department is $26, in the Scientific $40, and in the Collegiate 
$50, a year. Books and Stationery will average about $20 a year. Board can 
be had in excellent private families, near the college, atfrom $10 to $12 per month. 

The buildings occupied at present are a commodious two-story rock building, and 
two smaller framed buildings for study-rooms. The library is small but select. 
The apjiaratus is excellent, and was selected in Boston with special care by 
the Rev. James Huckins. The University was chartered in 1845 by the Republic 
of Texas, and commenced soon after in an old buUding which had been sold at 
sheriff's sale for $300, with one teacher and twenty-four pupils, male and fe- 
male. It is now worth about $50,000, in lands, buildings, endowments, <fec., and 
has 10 professors and teachers, and over two hundred students in both male and 
female departments. It has attained its present position without any of the re- 
verses and fluctuations so common to young institutions. Every step has been 
onward and upward. The friends of education may, therefore, rest assured that 
this institution is permanent. The trustees and professors are fully deter- 
mined to spare neither time, toil nor money in making it an ornament to Texas 
and a rich blessing to the present and future generations. The corps of profes- 
sors is now complete, and each professor brings to his department not only pro- 
fessional skill, but an ardent enthusiasm for the future glory and reputation of the 
institution. 

Rev. RcFUS C. Bueleson, A.M., President, and Professor of Moral and In- 
tellectual Philosophy and the Spanish Language and Literature. 

Dr. David R. Wallace, A.M., Professor of Natural Science, French Language 
and Literature. 

Gilbert L. Morgan, A.B., Professor of Mathematics. 

Stephen D. Rowe, A.B., Professor of Ancient Languages and Literature. 

James L. Smith, Principal of the Preparatory Department. 



BASTROP COUNTY 

Was originally a portion of the department of Mina, and is bounded on the 
north by portions of Washington, Burleson and Milam counties, on the south by 
Caldwell county, on the east by Fayette county, and on the west by Travis 
county. Its area is 1001 square miles. The river Colorado meanders through the 
centre of the county. Its streams are Cedar Creek, Walnut Creek, Sandy, Pin Oak 



BASTROP COUNTY. 219 

Creek, Alum, Copperas, Sandj', Piney, Wilbarger's and Walnut Creeks. This 
county is attached to the Second Judicial District, of which A. W. Terrell is Judge 
and Geo. W. Jones District Attorney : the court holds its sessions on the first 
Monday in April and October, April 5th and October 4th, 1858, and April 4th and 
October 3d, 1859. The Notaries Public of this county are Robt. H. Grimes, W. 
D. C. Jones, Elias J. Jones, C. C. McGinnis, E. P. Petty and John Pannell. The 
post-offices are Alum Creek, Bastrop, Cunningham's, Young's Settlement, Cedar 
Creek, Perryville, Sandy-Fly. 

The extensive pineries situated in this county have been and are the source of 
great wealth, as the demand exceeds the amount that can be supplied by seven 
first-class mills. As the lumber made at this point is considered superior to any 
that can bo obtained in the upper country, it is hauled in vragons to Austin, Seguin, 
San Antonio, New Braunfels, Hamilton, and also to the new county towns 
farther to the north and west. Prime lumber is sold readily at the mills at 30 
dollars per 1000 feet. From its proximity to the mills, the town of Bastrop is 
rapidly improving. 

There has recently been discovered in this county a species of canncl coal which 
is said to be very valuable, though as yet it has not been sufficiently tried to pro- 
nounce with certainty. No traveller feeling an interest in his own personal comfort 
or desiring proper attention to be paid to bis animal will pass the door of Mr. 
Cunningham's house without giving him a call, for we will guarantee as much 
comfort — nay, luxury — as can be found in any part of Texas ; and the reason his 
table is so much better than is generally the case in other places is that Mrs. 
Cunningham, a Yankee woman, presides over the household, — not as a task, but as 
a pleasure. In the town of Bastrop there are many fine mercantile establishments, 
with extensive stocks of goods. This county derived its name from Baron de Bastrop. 

There is a weekly paper, called The Advertiser, published at this point. Its poli- 
tics are Know-Nothing. 

— -♦^-at'f »#€+•- — 

STONE-WARE FACTORY AND POTTERY. 

Messrs. Duncan and Chaiullor have established a stone-ware factory and pot- 
tery on Alum Creek, about seven from miles the town of Bastrop. The ware 
manufactured at this establishment will compare advantageously with that im- 
ported from the other States; and, in consequence of the heavy charges incident to 
the importation of this class of goods, our merchants and traders will find it to 
their interest to patronize this pioneer establishment. 

— J »*•!■$€ -3 ♦— 

A HOME IN BASTROP COUNTY. 

THIRTY-SIX LOTS of f;irming-lands for sale on accommodating termn. 
Thev contain from 42 to 202 acres each. These lauds are subdivisions of the John 



220 AUSTIN COUNTY. 

Maximilian Survey, and adjoining thereto, situated in Bastrop county, south of 
the Colorado River, on the waters of Walnut Creek, above the farms of Mr. Morris, 
Mr. Sorrel and others. The divisions were made with due regard to timber, water 
and quality of land. 

Reference is made to the lithographed maps of said lands, by which any person 
with ordinary field- and-woods knowledge can find any or all of said tracts, and 
corresponding corners, without any other guidance whatever, as the lines have been 
recently plainly marked. 

The lands are generally post-oak, intermixed with rich small prairies. If a 
particular knowledge of the land is desired, examination on the ground is recom- 
mended, which can be done without difficulty by the assistance of the maps and of 
the neighboring farmers. 

AUSTIN COUNTY. 

Austin county was laid off by the first Congress of the old Republic in 1S37. 
The earliest settlement was made within its limits in 1822, by a number of the 
FIRST THREE HUNDRED families, who, with the descendants of others, are yet living 
here. Austin county is emphatically historic ground. Here the first successful 
American settlement on Spanish, afterward Mexican, soil, west of the Mississippi, 
was made. 

It is bounded on the north by Washington and Grimes counties, on the south by 
Colorado and Fort Bend counties, on the east by Harris county, and on the west 
by Colorado and Fayette counties. Its streams are the Brazos River, Iron Creek, 
Piney Creek, Mill Creek, Fish-Pond Creek, Lynn Creek and Caney. The area of 
the county is 1024 square miles. It forms a portion of the First Judicial District. 
James H. Bell is Judge and W. B. Wilson is District Attorney. The court 
meets the ninth Monday after the first Monday in April and October, June 7th 
and December 6th, 1858, and June 6th and December 5th, 1859. There are 
several fine ferries crossing the Brazos in this county. The post-offices are 
Bellville, Cat Spring, Hartville, Industry, Manheim, New Ulm, Rock Island 
Shelby, Swearingen and Travis. The Notaries Public are Zimri Hunt, 
Samuel A. Shelburn, H. H. Boone, J. P. Osterhout, J. Harris Catlin and Ernest 
Kleberg. 

San Felipe de Austin, the capital of Austin's Colony, was laid off by Stephen F. 
Austin in 1824. At this place the archives of the first colony, embracing all the 
territory between the San Antonio Roda [near the 31st degree of latitude] and the 
Gulf and the San Jacinto and Lavaca Rivers, were kept. Here the emigrants halted 
first, made their application for headrights and received from the Empresario their 
titles. Here justice was dispensed, goods sold and most of the business of the colony 
transacted. Here the beauty and chivalry of the country assembled : balls were 
given as early as 1825, and from forty to sixty ladies were often in attendance, some 
of them coming on horseback more than fifty miles for the purpos«. Here the first 



AUSTIN COUNTY. 221 

meetings were held against the usurpations of Santa Anna and the overthrow 
of the Constitution of 1824 ; and here also the first resolutions were adopted by tho 
people in favor of the independence of Texas. Tho town was afterward burned by 
Capt. Mosely Baker, on tho approach of Santa Anna in 1836, to prevent the place 
from falling into his hands. Capt. Baker, with a single company, afterward crossed 
the Brazos and opposed and effectually resisted the attempt of the Mexicans, about 
1500 strong, to cross at tho same point. 

The Brazos River meanders through the county a distance of about thirty-five 
miles, with the usual width of bottom, a good deal of which is occupied by plantations, 
some of them among the largest cotton-farms in the State. Unimproved bottom- 
lands are selling at ten dollars per acre. On the east side of the river there is a 
large body of second-rate upland, generally rated at from $3 to $5 per acre, and for 
some tracts $10 have been offered and refused. Tho construction of the second 
division of the Houston and Central Railroad, to be completed into this portion of 
Austin county the coming winter, has given a considerable impulse to land-sales, 
and several thousand acres have recently changed hands at several hundred per 
cent, advance on the valuation of 1855. 

Mill Creek is the largest tributary of the Brazos on the west side, flowing 
through the county : it rises in the western part of Washington county, and runs 
southeasterly for 25 miles through Austin. The country which borders it is a 
continuation of varied and beautiful scenerj', broken into hill and valley, and 
diversified with prairie and woodland, presenting a landscape as charming to the 
eye as any in Texas. The lands on the upper part of the creek are of black, stiff 
soil, and, like those of Washington county, frequently yield in good seasons a halo 
of cotton, or 35 bushels of corn, to the acre. Some of the prairies about tho town 
of Travis are sandy, and accounted by the settlers equally productive with the 
black lands. The prices of uplands on the west side of tho river range from $2 to 
$10 per acre. A populous settlement, mostly of Americans, is found around Travis. 
There is also a flourishing settlement on tho waters of Caney Creek, near the 
Chappell Hill neighborhood in Washington county. 

There are four large German settlements in the county. The largest and oldest, 
at Industrj', contains nearly 200 families ; another at New Ulm, south of Industry, 
Cat Springs, on tho waters of Mill Creek and Buckhorn, about three miles below 
the mouth of Caney and near the Brazos timber. The number of German families' 
in all, is between 400 and 600. They poll about 250 votes, which will be rapidly 
increased as naturalization is accomplished. The German population of this county 
are, like their countrj'uien settled everywhere in the State, a thrifty and industrious 
people, rapidly accumulating property and adding to the productive wealth of the 
country. Their settlements are compact, fences well built, and farms in good 
order. Many of them have acquired slave-property, and in all respects they are 
valuable citizens. 

Bellville, named after Thomas Bell, one of the original three hundred, is tho 
county seat, a pleasant and healthy place, containing about 300 inhabitants. It haa 
an excellent l>rick court-house, one of the best in the State; also a good jail. 



222 GOLIAD COUNTY. 

San Felipe still flourishes, but has never reached its former size, nor can it ever 
regain its ancient importance. 

The white population of the county is estimated at about 6000. The slave popu- 
lation was 2500 in 1855, and valued at $1,17-4,600. There were 3447 horses, 
valued at $160,760. The number of cattle was 33,019, valued at $194,620. The 
average value of land in 1850 was $3 44. 

This county derives its name from Stephen F. Austin, whose memory is vene- 
rated by the early settlers of Texas. He was a man of probity, talents, industry 
and perseverance. A history of his life has been published by Mrs. Holley in a 
more extended form than we could find room for in these pages ; and to it we refer 
those who feel an interest in the stirring scenes in which he was the principal char- 
acter in the early days of Texas. One of his nephews, Hon. Guy M. Bryan, is the 
representative in Congress for the Western District of the State of Texas. 



GOLIAD COUNTY. 

This charming county lies about thirty miles north of Aransas Bay, and is well 
situated for the cultivation of cotton and for stock-raising. It has an intelligent 
and refined population, and is favored with two well-conducted literary institu- 
tions, — Aranama College and the Paine Female Institute. 

It was one of the original counties at the organization of the Republic, pre- 
vious to which the country comprised within its limits, and a portion of the 
adjoining territory, was known as the municipality of Goliad, whence it derives its 
name. 

Its area is 1185 square miles. It is bounded on the north by De Witt county, 
on the south by San Patricio and Refugio counties, on the cast by Victoria and 
part of Refugio, and on the west by Live-Oak and Karnes counties. The principal 
streams are the San Antonio River, West Fork of the Coleto, Turkey Creek, Lake 
Creek, James' Creek, Manahuila Creek, Mocharra Creek, Richland Creek, Hoard's 
Creek and the Aransas River. The District Court commences its sessions on the 
3d May and 1st November, 1858, and the 2d May and 31st October, 1859. 

The post-ofiBces in this county are at Goliad and Fannin's Defeat. 

The view from the heights of La Bahia is indeed an enchanting one, especially 
when the landscape is bathed in the sunlight of a serene and cloudless day. On 
the left, as you ascend to the mission, rise romantic hills sloping into various plains 
which almost the whole year round are clad in " merry green," and through which 
the rippling surface of the meandering San Antonio is distinctly visible in all its 
sparkling and peculiar beauty. The lovely village of Goliad, with its neat white 
houses amidst overshadowing trees, lies beyond, and towering above them all, 
upon opposite summits, stand Aranama College and the Paine Female Institute. On 
the right of the ascent an almost interminable but undulating prairie stretches 
far away, presenting a scene of classic and picturesque beauty. The old church 



GOLIAD COUNTY. 223 

is still in a good state of preservation, though surrounded by broken walls and 
crumbling bastions. The hand of modern renovation has in a measure rendered 
the interior fit for religious worship, and during the great festival-season with the 
Mexicans the altar and other sacred niches are decorated with Catholic taste and 
mystic symbols. The town of Goliad is estimated to contain one thousand inhabit- 
ants. 

Not many years ago this county was considered as lying on the frontier ; but 
the productive character of its soil and its superior facilities for stock-raising, 
with its general reputation for healthiness, have turned a tide of immigration 
toward its beautiful valleys which cannot fail to develop its resources and even- 
tually render it one of the most populous counties in that section of the country, 
as the San Antonio River can be made navigable during the whole year to within 
three miles of the town of Goliad, its county seat, the river having been already 
cleared of all snags, &c. by the exertion of Mr. Murphy. 

Mr. Murphy is now building a suitable boat for its navigation. When his arrange- 
ments are completed, the city of San Antonio will be within 96 miles of steamboat- 
navigation. The valley -lands on the river San Antonio are proverbial for their 
fertility, and are alike admirably calculated for the cultivation of sugar, cotton or 
corn, while many contend that the yield of the cereals will amply repay the labor 
attendant on their cultivation. 

To show tho estimation in which the prairie-lands of the county arc held, that 
celebrated explorer, Capt. Marcy, of the United States Topographical Corps of 
Engineers, who surveyed the river Medio and its tributaries by order of the United 
States Government, pronounces it the finest country ho has ever explored; and, as 
an evidence of his opinion of this portion of the country, he has invested largely in 
lands in that neighborhood, and has instructed Capt. Barnard, the district surveyor, 
(one of the few — the very few — of the soldiers under Col. Fannin, that escaped) to 
locate all the vacant land for him on that stream. 

It was within the limits of this county that the brave band under Col. Fannin 
was cruelly massacred. It is true that the Texian Government has granted the heirs 
of each of these men a bounty claim of 1920 acres of land and a donation claim of 
6iO acres of land, besides their headrights ; but she ought to go further, and erect 
a monument to their memory, since up to this time, although over twenty j'ears have 
elapsed since these brave men were butchered, there is no other monument raised to 
mark the spot than a rude pile of loose rocks, thrown together by some patriotic 
individual, showing that he felt and appreciated the importance of marking this 
spot, so that the children and the children's children of these brave men may 
hereafter know the spot where their ancestors perished in the service of their 
country. 

This monument is about six feet high. There are no rocks nearer the spot than 
the Manahuila, a distance of about seven miles, and of course the materials of the 
little mound must have been taken from there. 

This pile stands in the centre of the entrenchment, roughly put up without mor- 



224 LIBERTY COUNTY. 

tar. We know not, nor is it known here, who placed it there ; but, whoever he is, he 
has exhibited a nobleness of nature and a national pride that can exist only in the 
bosom of the generous and patriotic, and has set an example to Texians that 
should remind them of their duty. A monument should be built there, to mark 
the place where that brave but ill-fated little band so dauntlessly fought in defence 
of liberty. 

Nothing can be more truly national, patriotic and noble than the erection of 
this little pile, so silently done : no show, no boasting, — a still and silent act, 
prompted by a generous love of true valor, to mark the spot where his unfortunate 
countrymen so valiantly fought against such fearful odds. 

It is to be hoped that this testimonial of national pride will awaken Texians to 
a solemn duty too long neglected. 



LIBERTY COUNTY 

Is bounded on the north by Polk and part of Tyler counties, on the south by 
Galveston and East Bay, on the east by Jefferson county, and on the west by 
Montgomery and Harris counties. At the time of the organization of the Republic, 
this county and a portion of the adjoining counties was known as the municipality 
of Liberty, and was one of the original counties of the Republic. Besides Galves- 
ton and East Bay, it is watered b3' the Trinity River, Turtle Bay and Double 
Bayou, Old River, Cedar Bayou, Pine Island Bayou, and East Fork of the San 
Jacinto River. The post-offices are Liberty, Auahuac, Grand Cane, Cedar Bayou, 
John's, Swartwout and West Liberty. The terms of the District Courts commence 
on March 15 and September 20, 1858, and March 21 and September 19, 1859. 
The Notaries Public are Wm. P. Cameron, Hugh N. Farrier, James Jackson, E. A. 
Stocking, A. G. Van PradcUes and Benjamin Adair. 

This is one of the oldest counties in the State, being one of the thirteen muni- 
cipalities which in convention, by their representatives, March 17th, 1836, declared 
Texas "a free, sovereign and independent republic." No county in the State 
occupies geographically so important and desirable a position on the map of Texas ; 
and yet no county has been so much overlooked. 

The most important bay in the State, iifty miles in length, and navigable at all 
times, penetrates into the county for thirtj'-five miles, and receives at its head the 
waters of the Trinity River, which fine stream runs through the centre of the county 
the distance of oxE hundred and forty miles. The commercial facilities are 
unequalled in the State, — as large vessels, steam and sail, can at all times run to 
the mouth of the Trinity that can go to Houston or Harrisburg ; and a railroad 
running from the head of the bay to Red River would be much shorter than any 
other that could be built connecting the coast with the upper country, and would 
pass through the most populous and productive district of the State. The largest 
body of TIMBER so NEAK the coast, from the Sabine to the Rio Grande, is in this 
county. 



LIBERTY COUNTY. 225 

The farming-lands, commencing at Wallis' Bluff, four miles from the mouth of 
the Trinity, and extending on both banks of the river to the upper line, are bodies 
of land that will vie with the richest in the State. They are "black as tar 
and rich as grease" in some localities ; in others, the mulatto or chocolate, with 
their deep beds of alluvium, predominate ; and the " inside prairies," or second 
bottoms of black sandy soil, easy of cultivation, and standing the extremes of wet 
and dry better than most lands, are among the kinds and descriptions of land in 
the county that will suit the varied judgment and choice of the planter. 

Large tracts of the best bottom-lands are above overflow. The most of these 
lands, and the best of them, are yet in a state of nature. The reason is, that this 
county was first settled by stock-raisers, and, the range being good, the life 
easy and the profits extraordinary, they neglected agriculture. Competency nearly 
always, and in some instances great wealth, has been realized in the stock- 
raising business. The prairie-part of the county is covered with large herds of 
cattle, and thousands are driven annually to the New Orleans market. Horses, hogs, 
sheep, goats, all do well. Many hundred horses are raised on the prairie, and are 
never fed until taken up at three or four years old and "broken" to the service of 
man. The half-breeds make fine saddle-horses, are active, hardy and sure-footed, 
and for the labor of cattle-raising and driving are the best. The timber in many 
portions of the country is superb. Cypress, pine, white, post, red and pin oaks, 
magnolia, wild peach, sweet bay and gum, maple, ash, sycamore, persimmon, 
pecan, cottonwood, hickory, walnut, linden, elm, wild cherry, mulberry, cedar 
and sassafras are among the forest-trees. Nearly all the firewood consumed in 
Galveston is boated from this county. Less hauling is required here than in any 
other cotton-growing county in the State, as all the plantations lie on or adjacent 
to the river and the landings are convenient ; consequently, cotton and other 
freights are shipped with greater facility and at less expense. 

The prairies, dotted over with beautiful " islands" of trees, are large and clothed 
with fine grass. These lands produce remarkably well when " cowpenned," re- 
taining the manure for many years, and producing the greatest abundance of 
grain, potatoes, beans, peas, pumpkins and other vegetables, llice grows luxuriantly 
and heavy. Poultry, the produce of the dairy, wood, hides and other articles are 
shipped to Galveston from the bay by the many sail-boats that run in the trade. 
The rivers, lakes, bayous and creeks abound with the most delicious fish. And 
in the winter thousands of wild fowl — the swan, goose, duck, brant and snipe — 
resort here. Deer are found in all parts of the county : they grow large and get ex- 
tremely fat. The scenery around the bay-shore is very fine; the bluffs are high 
and dry, and in no portion of Texas or the South is the climate more healthy or the 
sea-breeze more balmy and delightful. There has never been a case of yellow fever 
or cholera within the limits of the county. The population is about two thousand 
eight hundred. The town of Liberty is the county seat, and is situated on the 
Trinity River, fifty miles from its mouth by the course of the river, and about twenty- 
six by land. To this point the enterprising firm of Messrs. Powell «t Ruthven, of 

10* 



226 HARRIS COUNTY. 

Galveston, have established a tri-weekly line of steamers, well adapted to this trade : 
the distance is one hundred and four miles. This line of steamers has already, and 
will continue to develop the resources of this portion of the Trinity country, which 
promises soon to increase to such an extent as to require additional steamers. All 
produce hauled from above can with certainty be shipped from here at low rates, 
and they can get their supplies as cheap, freight added, as from Galveston. There 
are e.xcellent schools in Liberty, and the people are hospitable and intelligent. 

Emigrants desiring good lands, good water, good range, certain navigation 
and a convenient market, [Galveston,] whei-e they can sell the surplus piroduce of a 
farm besides the staple crops, would do well to visit this county. Cotton, corn, 
cane, rice and all vegetables raised in the South yield here as much per acre as 
elsewhere. All the fruits that have been tried do well. Nearly all the lands are 
owned by residents in this county. The corn-crop, although not so abundant as 
usual, was amply sufficient for the ordinary demands of the people, and corn is 
nearly as cheap as ordinarily at this season of the year, whilst many cotton-plan- 
tations have produced a bale to the acre. 

It is said that the cotton-worm is more destructive in the coast-region than 
farther in the interior. That insect may be effectually guarded against in most 
places by planting earl}', and by proper cultivartion ; whilst the swarms of grass- 
hoppers that are so destructive to every species of vegetation in more elevated 
regions are entirely unknown here. The average crop of cotton, corn and other 
productions, this season, has been large. 

No difficulty is experienced in the coast-region. Every thing that the farmer 
can produce will bring a good price and find a ready sale. With good health, 
good society, excellent schools, a never-failing market, and easy access to the older 
States, the inhabitants of the coast-region of Texas are peculiarly favored in all 
that is necessary to constitute a comfortable homestead. 

■ — ~»^^M<l€-S-o- — 

HARRIS COUNTY, 

Originally called Harrisburg county, is bounded on the north by Montgomery 
and Grimes counties, on the south by Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties, 
on the east by Liberty county and Galveston Bay, and on the west by Fort Bend 
and Austin counties. 

Its area is 1832 square miles. Its principal streams are Buffalo Bayou, San 
Jacinto River, Cypress, Spring and Willow Creeks, Clear Lake and Clear Creek, 
Bray's, Green's and Simm's Bayou. This county is situated within the limits of 
the Seventh Judicial District, of which Peter W. Gray is the District Judge and 
James G. McDonald the District Attorney. The terms of the District Court in 
this county commence on the seventh Monday after the first Monday in April and 
October, the 2J:th day of May jind 22d day of November, 1858, and the 23d day of 
May and 21st day of November, 1859, and may continue five weeks. Houston is the 
residence of the District Judge. The Notaries Public are David G. Burnet, William 
Anders, B. E. Roper, S. Turner, and A. C. Daws. 



HARRIS COUNTY. 227 

I. 0. of 0. F. — There arc two Lodges located at Houston, — Lone Star Lodge, No. 
1, which holds its meetings on every Tuesday evening, and Houston Lodge, No. 50, 
which holds its meetings on every Mondaj' evening. 

Masomc. — Holland Lodge, No. 1, Chapter and Ruthven Encamp- 

ment all hold their meetings in Houston. 

The post-offices in this county are Houston, Ilarrisburg, Lynchburg, Rose Hill, 
Cypress Top, and Housevillc. 

Within the limits of this county is situated the San Jacinto battle-ground, a view 

which can be obtained from the upper deck of the steamers passing to and from 
Galveston to Houston. 

The communication between Galveston and Houston at present is mainly car- 
ried on by a first-class line of steamboats, which, for promptness, cleanliness, 
safety, and a thorough attention to business, and the excellent fare provided, toge- 
ther with the efficient manner in which they are officered, from the captains down 
to the waiters, renders the communication between these two points the most safe 
and reliable route in the United States, and offers a lesson that might be most 
advantageously studied bj- lines of much more lofty pretensions. For a length of 
time this line enjoyed nearly a monopoly of the trade ; yet, with the characteristic 
shrewdness that betokens the thorough men of business by whom the enterprise is 
managed, although they paid the highest wages to their employees, they never 
endeavored to extort from the community a higher rate of freight or passage 
than the services performed bj' them entitled them to : the consequence is, they 
are coining money. Latterly, the business on this route has increased so considerably 
that independent boats have been started and arc doing well. Soon another chan- 
nel of communication between the two points will be opened, by the completion of 
the Houston, Hexdeuson and Galveston Railroad, which is now in pro- 
cess of construction. Twenty-five miles of it are in running order, and the balance 
of the road is in progress, and it is expected that by the 1st of January next it will 
be completed thus far. 

At present the rate of freight and passage established by the Houston Navigation 
Company is as follows : — 

Balesof Cotton, Hay and Fodder 50 cents. 

" Moss 75 " 

Deerskin, not over 200 lbs 25 " 

Beef Hides, dry, each 5 " 

" " wet 10 " 

Corn, per bushel 5 " 

Salt, Coffee, Pepper and Allspice, per sack 20 " 

Casks, Crates, and other packages of merchandise, per foot i " 

Castings and Sheet Iron, per lUO lbs 15 " 

Iron and Steel, perlOOlbs 10 " 

Kegs of Nails 10 " 

Kegs of Lead, Shot, and Casks of Hardware, per 100 lbs 10 " 

Kegs of Lard, each. 10 " 

Kegs of Butter, each 15 " 

Kegs of White Lead, of 50 lbs. (half-kegs in proportion) 10 " 

Firkins of Butter, each 15 " 



228 HARRIS COUNTY. 

Rice, per tierce, 75 cents. 

Powder, in tierces, per foot 20 " 

" per keg 60 " 

Candles, per box 10 " 

Boxes of Cherries, Starch, Syrup, Cordial, Claret and Glass 10 " 

Soap, per box 10 " 

Boxes Axes 10 " 

Double boxes 20 " 

Tobacco, whole box 20 " 

" three-quarter box 15 " 

" one-fourth " 10 " 

Whiskey, Cement, Lime, Molasses, Pork and Mackerel 30 " 

Brown Sugar 25 " 

Flour, Potatoes, Apples, Onions and Rice 20 " 

Hhds. Sugar, and Bacon 125 " 

Shovels and Spades, perdoz 15 " 

Chairs, per doz 150 " 

Buckets 20 " 

Brooms ^ 15 " 

Raisins, per box, 10 cts., half and qr. boxes 10 " 

Tin, per box 20 " 

Pipes of Brandy, Gin,'etc. (half-pipes in proportion) 150 " 

Quarter-pipes (eighth of pipes in proportion) 40 " 

Sweet Oil, per basket 10 " 

Demijohns, empty 5 " 

" full 15 " 

Ploughs, and half-barrels, each 15 " 

All other Goods, not here enumerated, in proportion to the above prices. Cabin 
Passage, Three Dollars ; Deck Passage, One Dollar and Fifty Cents. 
HOUSTON RATES OF WHARFAGE. 

cts. cts. 

Anvils 5 Herrings, per box 5 

Bagging, per piece 5 Iron, per hundred 5 

Bagging, India, per bale 'id Lead, per hundred 5 

Bales mdse., cubic foot 2 Lemons, per box 10 

Bale, rope coil 5 Liquor, per hhd 40 

Barrels of all kinds 10 Liquor, per pipe 40 

" " half 5 Liquor, per half-pipe 20 

Blacksmiths' bellows 25 Liquor, per quarter-pipe 10 

Bottles, per crate 20 Lumber, per M 100 

Butter, per keg 5 Nails, per keg 5 

Candles, per box 5 Paper, per ream 5 

Carriages 100 Salt, per sack 5 

Cases mdse., per foot..'. 2 Shot, per bag 5 

Casks hardware, per hundred 5 Small packages or parcels 5 

Castings, " " 5 Soap, per box 5 

Chains, per barrel 12^ Sugar, perhhd 40 

Claret, per box 5 Tobacco, per box 5 

Coffee and spices, per sack 5 Vices, each 5 

Cotton-gins, per foot 2 AVindow-glass, per box 5 

Crockery, per crate 40 Steamboats and other vessels un- 

Crockery, per hhd 40 der 100 tons carpenters' mea- 

Demijohns 5 sure $2.50 

Fodder, per bale 25 Between 100 and 200 tons $3.60 

Furniture, per foot 2 Over 200 tons 5.00 

Grind-stones or mill-stones 10a20 



HARRIS COUNTY. 



229 



The wagons of emigrants, horses or mules, arriving or departing, are free. 

The following may be regarded as the approximate rates of freights to the 
several points. AVhen there is a large number of wagons in town, freights are of 
course a trifle lower, while, on the other hand, when the roads are bad there is a 
proportionate increase in the rates. 

PER 100 LBS. I PER 100 LBS. 

Montgomery 50(0; — ' Independence. .0 50(a) 75 

Huntsville 50(a) 75 Ilillsboro 2 00(5) — 



Anderson 50(c^ 75 

San Felipe 50(a) 

Taos 2 50(0^— 

Grimesville 50^ 

Rock Island 50(a) 

Bellville 50(g) 

Brenham 62A(a) 

Washington 62i(o, 

Chappell Hill i>0(d} 



Goshen 1 50 _ 

Spring Creek. .0 5Q@ 

Frelsburg 75(a) 

Birdsville 2 50(a)3 00 

Cotton Gin 2 00 

75;Round Rock. ..2 00(g} 

75 Pleasant Run. ..3 M(a,4: 00 

75 Larissa 2 50(0)2 75 

60 Grandview 2 50@2 75 jBoonville 1 00 

Columbus 1 00^2 00!Preston 3 7b(d,i 00 Gatesville 1 75 

La Grange 75(c^l OOCameron 1 50^2 00 iSandy Creek ...1 50 

Bastrop 1 00(^1 25 Caldwell 1 00(a, [Long Point 1 50 

Austin 2 00(0)2 25:Waco 1 50(0,2 00 Cat Springs 



PER 100 LBS. 

Fort Graham... 2 50(g3 00 

Fort Sullivan aO@ 

Fort Worth ^4 00 

Fayetteville....O 75^1 00 

Covington 2 50(a)3 00 

Palestine 1 25@1 50 

Sterling (a) 1 50 

Waxahachie....2 00(^2 25 

Danville 75(c^ 

Industry 75 



25 
00 



1 00 



Belton :2 0(i@ IWheelock 1 00(<(.2 25 Bobbins' Ferry 1 50 

Round Top 75(ai 00 Centrcville 1 50@ Francis' Mill. ..2 00 

Fairfield 150(0)2 00 Crockett.... 1 50(ftt Dresden 2 50 

Georgetown. ...2 00^ Springfield 1 50(a;2 00 Magnolia 2 00 

Weberville 1 75((^ iNavarro 2 50^3 00 San Gabriel 2 00 

Alton (^3 50'Dallas 3 00(r?) Madisonville...! 00 1 25 

Lexington 75@1 00 Marlin 1 5U(o, Bonham 3 00 3 50 

Wharton 1 00(5^1 25iCorsicana 1 75^2 00 

Exchange on the principal towns through the State of Texas, and also on the 
principal cities of the United States, can be obtained in large or small sums of B 
A. Shepherd or John Dickinson, — both of whose offices are situated on Main Street 
Houston. 

Houston is the head-quarters, in Texas, of Jones' Express, whose oflSce is next 
door to the Post-OflSce. They have an oflSce in Galveston, at the corner of Trcniout 
and Strand; at Indianola, at the counting-room of Baldridge & Stanly j New 
Orleans, under the St. Charles Hotel; New York, at No. 172 Broadway; and at 
Boston, at No. 32 Court Square. Each express is in charge of a special messenger, 
and the packages are transported in strong fire- and thief-proof safes. The advan- 
tage of this undertaking, which is now onlj- in its infancy so far as the State of 
Texas is concerned, will be immense; and there is no doubt that, when the enterprise 
is fully understood in the interior, both the Galveston and Houston offices will 
do a very large business. 

The assessor's and collector's books of this county show the value of goods 
imported by the merchants of Houston for the last three vears to be as follows : — 

1854, .... $918,175 

1855, .... 1,095.368 

1856, .... 1,719,194 

The largest amount imported by any one merchant was 282,956 dollars. 

In the immediate vicinitv of Houston there are several factories and several fine 



230 HARRIS COUNTY. 

cotton -warehouses, and there is a strong indication among the leading men to 
establish a cotton-factory in or near the city. 

There are several of the merchants of Houston who, from very humble begin- 
nings, have realized fortunes ; but, as they are yet playing their part in the great 
drama of life, we do not feel authorized to give a detailed account of their success, 
and shall confine ourselves, at this time, solely to the case of the late James H. Ste- 
phens, who came to Houston in 1845, and obtained a situation at $25 per month, — 
this being a considerable accession of wages, he having previously been driving a 
wagon at the rate of $15 a month, and "a right smart" ox-driver he was. 
Mr. Stephens gradually made his way up in the world, and when he died in 1856 

left behind him an estate that has already realized over $300,000. Nor was he, 

his last moments, forgetful of the city where he had realized his wealth, for, in 
addition to other liberal bequests, he left a legacy to the city of Houston of $10,000 
for the establishment of a college, — that amount to be immediately paid over so 
soon as a like amount should be realized for the same purpose from any other 
source. Mr. Stephens was for some time a member of the Board of Common Coun- 
cil, and had also filled the ofiBce of Mayor of the city. 

On the San Jacinto River is a body of fine cj'press and pine timber, which gives 
ample employment to a number of steam saw-mills, where lumber can be purchased 
at the rate of about fifteen dollars per thousand feet. One of the most extensive of 
these mills is that of Baker & Thompson, who have also a manufactory of sash, 
doors, and blinds, where they keep on hand a general assortment of all goods in their 
line, and are in the habit of filling all orders intrusted to them at fair prices for 
cash or city acceptances. Window-frames to fit the sash, as manufactured by them, 
should be of the following size : 

8 X 10 12 lights 2 feet 4J inches by 3 feet 10 inches. 
lOi 
lOi 
lOi 

41 " 
4i " 
4| '• 
4i " 

As regards agricultural productions, this countj' cannot boast of being one of the 
richest in the State; yet there are some fine lauds skirting the bauks of the different 
streams that meander through it, and there is no doubt that by a judicious system 
of drainage much of the prairie-land, which at this time is regarded as almost 
valueless, will be made available. The principal objection to these lands is, 
that in consequence of their extreme flatness they are often, in the wet season, 
covered with water. This objection has been partially removed by means of 
the construction of the different lines of raUroad traversing the whole county in 
various directions, thus forming the nucleus of a system of drainage which no 
doubt, in consequence of its advantageous results, will be carried out in a scientific 
manner; for, on the prairie, in the environs of the city of Houston, we have incon- 
trovertible evidence of the capability of the prairie-soil to be brought into a state 



10 


X 


12 " 


2 


10 


X 


14 " 


2 


10 


X 


16 " 


2 


12 


X 


14 " 


3 


12 


X 


16 " 


3 


12 


X 


18 " 


3 


12 


X 


20 " 


3 



4 


" 6 


5 


" 2i 


5 


" lOi 


5 


" 8i 


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" H 


7 


" li 



HARRIS COUNTY. 231 

of the highest cultivation, as is evidenced in the gardens of James Bailey, Daniel 
G. Wheeler, Dr. Evans, and a host of others, and the farms of Col. T. B. J. Hadley, 
"mine host of the Fannin House," E. S. Perkins, &c. 

From the appearance of the large herds of horned cattle to be found on her 
extensive prairies, we feel justified in pronouncing this an excellent stock-county. 
All that is necessary is for the grazier to locate himself at one of those points of 
timber that skirt the large prairie, where he will be in the neighborhood of lasting 
stock-water. Such locations can be easily obtained on Buffalo Bayou from its head 
to its mouth, Clear Creek, San Jacinto River, Cypress and Willow Creeks, and 
Green's, Simm's and Bray's Bayous, although those who have thoroughly exa- 
mined this county decidedly prefer the waters of Cypress, Willow and Spring Creeks; 
and parties who think about locating themselves in that neighborhood ought 
o take advantage of the present low rates at which lands are now selling in those 
neighborhoods, and make their purchases, for soon the Galveston, Houston and 
Henderson Railway will be penetrating this region of country, and, as a natural 
consequence, lands will advance very rapidly in price, for by the aid of this road 
beef cattle will be transported to the New Orleans market within thirty-six 
hours from the time they are put on board the cars, and thus be delivered at that 
point in nearly as good order as when they started. 

For stock-raising only a small quantity of land is necessary to be purchased : 
one hundred and sixty or three hundred and twenty acres will be amply sufficient. 

After the localities are secured, the party may, according to his taste and means, 
proceed to improve. So far as the necessary improvements for a stock-farm are con- 
cerned, they are very rough and of little cost : a log cabin to shelter the family, a 
good cow-pen and horse-lot, a few head of cattle, a good pony or two, and you 
axe a made man. Of lato years, those in this business are beginning to realize the 
profits of this occupation, and are endeavoring to develop the agricultural resources 
of the county by connecting farming-operations with the raising of stock ; con- 
sequently a field should be fenced in, large enough at least to make a supply of 
grain, potatoes, Ac. for the family. 

By the aid of his stock, by frequently moving the pens, in a very short time and 
with little labor the poorest land can be made to produce good corn, oats and 
potatoes. 

Stock cattle at the present time can be purchased for six dollars per head, (viz., 
cows, calves, year-olds and two-year olds,) they being the kind of cattle most ad- 
vantageous to be purchased when commencing this business ; but many prefer 
starting with mostly or entirely cows and calves. Experience teaches that the 
better plan is to procure an average lot, from the fact that some of your cows are 
then generally old, and your calves are some time increasing, but when you obtain 
an average lot you have stock taking the place of the old ones as they become fit 
for market. 

Beef cattle closed in the fall at sixteen dollars per head for four-year olds, which 
is the proper age to sell ; but there is no doubt that they will pay interest on the 
money to keep them until they are from five to seven years old : they certainly 



232 HARRIS COUNTY. 

get finer and much heavier, and will command a better price. The demand for the 
last few years has been so steady that they have been very generally sold at four 
years old. It is said by all the experienced stock-raisers that stock cattle should 
bring half the price per head of beef cattle; if such is the fact, our stock cattle 
should he worth eight dollars per head, or two dollars more than the present ruling 
rates. Good beeves will be worth this coming season not less than sixteen dollars 
per head. 

There are many persons who have fine stocks in the hands of stock-keepers. 
The usual price now is from seventy-five cents to one dollar per calf for branding, 
the keeper paying all expenses. There are quite a number of persons who make 
small investments in this way and find it profitable. In fact, where it is not con- 
venient or agreeable to keep your own stock, this is the very cheapest way to have 
them branded. Some persons give a portion of the increase. When this is done, 
the stock can be kept at one-fourth of the increase, the keeper being at all expense 
for horses, hands, &o. Or, when the stock-owner furnishes horses, from one-fifth 
to one-seventh of the increase is considered a fair price. 

The city of Houston, the county seat of this county, situated on the south bank 
of Bufi"alo Bayou, the head of steamboat-navigation, is destined to be a very im- 
portant point, as it bids fair to become the very centre of railroad-communication 
throughout the State, and the railroad-interest is fast becoming a very important 
one. 

The first, and perhaps that which will exercise the greatest and most permanent 
influence over this city, as is evidenced by the large amount of business that it has 
already attracted, is the Houston and Central Railroad, the main trunk of 
which is designed to connect the city of Houston with Preston, on Red River, and 
which will run, for a distance of 350 miles, through a vast body of land admirably 
calculated for the cultivation of cotton and of wheat. Fifty miles of it are already 
completed, to the new and flourishing town of Hempstead. Here this road will 
branch, while the main stem will continue to point onward to Red River. Tho 
branch road will be continued through that fertile region of country watered by the 
river Brazos, which stream it will cross and be extended to the town of Brenham, 

distance of about 18 miles. This is a portion of the enterprise lately undertaken 
by the planters on the direct route of the road, and when completed will form an 
important link in the railroad-communication with the upper countrj^ ; for it is not 
to be supposed that the people of the Colorado country, when they find the immense 
advantages accruing to their neighbors on the Brazos through this enterprise, will 
be content to sit down quietly at home and fold their hands. No ! their energies 
will be aroused, and they will cry to one another, " Let us put our shoulders to the 
wheel and do likewise." Thus, step by step, the branch road will extend its life- 
diflfusing influence, and the people will not be satisfied until it taps the wheat- 
growmg country of the northwestern portion of Texas. 

The next important road is the Houston Tap Road, which is already com- 
pleted the whole distance, seven miles. This Tap road connects Houston with 
the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad, whose initial point is at 



HARRIS COUNTY. 233 

Ilarrisburg, on Buffalo Bayou, situated about sixty-five miles N. W. from Galveston 
by steamboat-navigation, or forty-five miles by the Galveston, HorsTOX and 
Henderson Railroad, which road is in running order to the town of Richmond, 
on the Brazos River, a distance of thirty-two miles. This I'oad is projected to the seat 
of Government, and is now in process of construction, on the west side of the Brazos 
River, and is under contract to be in running order to Columbus on the Colorado 
River by the 1st day of July, 1858, and arrangements have been made for its im- 
mediate extension to the city of Austin. It is said to be the shortest, quickest and 
cheapest route to the Brazos and Colorado Valley, Austin and AVestern Texas. At 
present this route, from Ilarrisburg, connecting with New Orleans and Galveston 
and Galveston and Houston U. S. Mail Steamers, and at Richmond with stages 
to Austin, and to Gonzales and intermediate points, whose cars leave Ilarrisburg 
each day (except Tuesday and Thursday) at 8 o'clock A.M., returning leave 
Richmond at 10 o'clock P.M. Passengers for Austin, <tc., leave Galveston on 
Tuesdays and Saturdays by steamboat, taking cars at Ilarrisburg ; stages at Rich- 
mond the following days. 

Gonzales stage leaves Richmond on Sundays. — Through-tickets to Austin and 
intermediate points, by railway and F. P. Sawyer's stages, may be obtained on 
the steamboat between Galveston and Harrisburg, or at Harrisburg. 

It is confidently believed that the Legislature at its next session will grant a char- 
ter to an enterprising company to construct a branch of this road from either 
Columbus or La Grange to San Antonio. The portion of country through which 
this road will extend is one that will give it a very heavj' business; and we need 
only say that most of the stock is held by wealthy parties in Boston, as a guarantee 
of its ultimate success. John F. Barrett is the President, and John A. Williams is 
the Chief Engineer and Superintendent. 

The next is the Houston and Brazoria Railroad, which will open up a vast 
sugar-growing region of country, unsurpassed in capacity for producing, and lack- 
ing only the means of transportation to make it the most desirable sugar-producing 
country in the world, the island of Cuba not excepted. Contracts for con- 
structing this road have been entered into with H. K. AVhite & Brother, to a point 
twentj- miles from the junction, which is in the neighborhood of Sandy Point; 
Col. Wm. Sharpe, from the end of the twentieth mile to Oyster Creek, including 
ties, ifec. ; and Isaac T. Tinsley the remainder, from Oyster Creek to Columbia. 
The portion to Oyster Creek is to be completed by the 1st of April next, and the 
balance by the 1st of May. The contractors are among the most efficient men in 
the county. They will go upon the work at once, and will push it through with 
speed. The grade will be completed within the specified time, and we look with 
confidence to see this road in operation in season to take off the next crop. 

The Directors of the road are all efiicient men. They work as though they were 
ns fully identified with the company as with their own merchandise or planting. 
They are all men of means. Indeed, there is more capital in this board than 
in that of any other in Texas. Every move they make tells. The Houston 



234 GALVESTON COUNTY. 

Tap and Brazoria Road bids fair to be completed iu a shorter time than any other 
enterprise of a like magilitude yet started. 

The healthy condition of this enterprise will have its influence on others. The 
importance of this road was not at first generally appreciated. It begins to be, how- 
ever, now ; and with forty-three miles under contract, and thirty-four more surveyed, 
all through the richest, although at present the most inaccessible, countr}' in the 
State, it begins to assume aft importance which will make it noted among the rail- 
roads of Texas. The whole distance to Wharton is as follows : — 

Houston to the junction, now iu operation with daily train of cars 7 miles. 

Junction to Columbia, under contract 42 " 

Columbia to Wharton, surveyed 34 " 

83 miles. 
That the whole will be early done we entertain no doubt. That it will be a 
profitable road we are equally certain. That it will enrich the people of that coun- 
try to au unprecedented extent we are confident. 

GALVESTON COUNTY. 

Galveston county is bounded on the north by Clear Lake and Creek, which sepa- 
rate it from Harris county, on the south by AVest Bay, on the east by Galveston 
Bay, and on the west by Brazoria county. Its principal water-courses are Dickin- 
son's Bayou, Highland Bayou and Moses' Bayou. Its area is 680 square miles, of 
which 406 square miles are land, and 274 square miles are covered by water. The 
post-offices are Galveston, which is the principal distributing office in the State, 
and Seven Oaks. This county is within the Seventh Judicial District, of which 
Peter W. Gray is the District Judge, and James G. McDonald District Attor- 
ney. The terms of the District Court commence on the twelfth Monday after 
the first Monday in April and October, which falls on the 2Sth day of June and 
the 27th day of December, 1858, and the 27th day of June and the 26th day of De- 
cember, 1859. The Notaries Public are E. P. Hunt, James P. N-ash, Edward T. 
Austin, J. E. Rump, A. F. James and James AVelch. The principal Commissioners 
for taking acknowledgments of deeds for every State of the Union are A. F. 
James and R. D. Johnson. The resident Agent for the Underwriters is E. P. 
Hunt. The term of the Supreme Court is held at this point, commencing its ses- 
sion on the first Monday in January, and continuing for ten weeks. Charles 
Rossignoll is the resident Deputy Clerk. The Reporters are 0. C. and R. K. 
Hartley. 

The Federal Court holds its sessions at Galveston. J. C. Watrous is the Judge, 
Benjamin McCulloch the Marshal and James Love the Clerk. 

Galveston county was created out of Liberty and Brazoria counties, on the 15th 
day of May, 1838, and is one of the most important counties in the State. Its 
principal point, however, is Galveston Island. The soil of this island is sandy 
and easily cultivated ; and all that is i-equired to make it yield well is the applica- 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 235 

tion of a sufficient quantity of lime, which has a most beneficial effect upon it. 
This necessary ingredient, so soon as the Galveston, Houstox and Henderson 
Railroad is completed, can be supplied in any quantity required and at a very low 
figure, as there is a sufficient supply of the best limestone on the line of that road 
to supply the whole of the lower portion of Texas; and, as soon as the price will 
warrant its use as a fertilizer, there is no doubt that the whole of this beautiful 
island will be placed under cultivation. We can remember the time when the only 
sign of vegetation to be found on this island, except the grass, was the noted three 
trees about fifteen miles from the city. Now the town has a most beautiful appear- 
ance in consequence of the taste of her inhabitants, whose private residences, 
although but few can lay claim to any thing like magnificence, are generally neat 
and comfortable, and are surrounded by tastefully laid-out gardens, which are truly 
gratifying to the eye, while the rich perfumes of the oleander and other fragrant 
plants strike pleasantly on the olfactory nerves. So productive is this island that 
we doubt not, those who make good and faithful use of the spade and plough, 
although they may not find the pots of gold said to bo buried here by Lafitte 
and his band of pirates, will reap a golden reward through the potato and other 
crops that they will be able to harvest after a comparatively small amount of 
labor. 

There is established in the city of Galveston a Lii'e-Boat Company, of which 
Captain J. E. Haviland is the President. They arc now fully ready for service 
at a moment's notice. Had this company been in existence at the time of the 
burning of the steamship Louisiana, many valuable lives might have been 
saved. 

The amount collected and paid into the City Treasury for the six months end- 
ing on August- 31st, 1857, by the City Marshal, was $5720 19; while the amount 
collected b\' the narbor-Mastcr for the same period was $1688 98. The in- 
crease of the Harbor-Master's collections is over one hundred per cent, for the 
same period last year. The hospital dues have also greatlj' increased, and will 
amount to at least ten thousand dollars this year, while the revenues derived 
from all other sources are reported to be fully ample to meet all the city liabilities. 

Among the prominent characters to bo found in Galveston with whom the 
traveller has dealing is Captain John H. Stcrrett, one of the most popular steam- 
boat-captains of the South, and, we are inclined to think, the very best. He has 
been running between Houston and Galveston for nineteen years, and in that time 
has made four thousand trips between the two places. Every man who has ever 
travelled in Texas knows him, and very few who have ever made a trip with him 
fail to tell their friends to patronize him. Justice requires us to say there are 
other boats in the Houston trade that will compare well with the steamboats any- 
where; but Captain Sterrett always manages to command the best one. 

He is emphatically a steamboat-man, competent to fill every station on board, 
being as much at home in the engineer's, pilot's, clerk's, and (report says) in the 
culinary department as he is in that of the captain's. Opposition seems to infuse 



236 GALVESTON COUNTY. 

new life and vigor into him. He has fully identified himself with the Texas steam- 
boat-interest, and is a large share-owner in the Houston Navigation Company. 

The city of Galveston is situated in latitude 29° 18' 11" N., longitude 94° 
48' 00" W, and fronts on Galveston Bay, while the rear portion of the town-tract 
is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It contains about 8000 in- 
habitants. 

Galveston in 1837 was a place of but little moment, consisting of a few frame 
houses, mere shells, which were swept away by the gale of that year, and therefore 
we cannot date its foundation before 1838. The war of Independence was then, as 
it were, but just over; and, notwithstanding the advantages conferred on the city 
by nature, her progress during the years of infancy was necessarily very slow. 
Her business, although small at first, soon increased on the establishment of steam- 
communication with New Orleans. About this time Michael B. Menard, Samuel 
M. Williams and Thomas F. McKinney joined with other shrewd business- 
men, being fully satisfied that Galveston was destined at no very distant 
period to become the commercial emporium of Texas, and formed a joint- 
stock company known by the name of the Galveston City Company, from which 
emanate all titles to the lots in the city of Galveston. When we take in review 
the past history of Galveston, — the obstacles which formerly impeded her pro- 
gress, — her steady advance, the rapid expansion of her trade, the solvency and 
enterprise of her merchants and business-men, — and then glance at her position 
on the coast of Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, and look forward to the improved 
navigation of our rivers, and her communication with the great interior of the State 
by railroads, now rapidly being completed, and the connection between the island 
and the mainland [by the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railroad, by 
building a bridge from the island to Virginia Point, (to which enterprise the city 
of Galveston has lent her credit for 100,000 dollars by the remarkable vote 
of 729 in favor and only 11 against,) we cannot but predict for her a great 
destiny. That she is and must ever remain the great entrepot of the State, 
we cannot doubt. With easy access for ships of twelve feet draught, a secure 
harbor, no towage for vessels and merely nominal port-charges, and with an 
interior of inconceivable capacity for the production of the great Southern 
staples, cotton and sugar, with untold millions of grain, live stock, marble, 
coal and other minerals, and immense manufacturing-facilities, she must speedily 
rise to the front rank of Southern cities. Her career must be onward. The 
periodical recurrence of monetary pressures, instead of destroying commercial 
cities, seems rather to give health and stability to their progress. Renovated 
and purified by adversity, freed from accumulating excrescences, they redouble 
wholesome progress, and advance upon a surer foundation. In the past Galveston 
surely finds much to encourage her in the future. Let her motto be, unity of feeling, 
concert of action, legitimate improvements, and at the close of each additional 
year she will show such signs of vigorous growth that ere long she must be re- 
garded as the second city of importance in the South. Galveston now has in good 
repair seven wharves, all admitting drays, carriages, <fec., and receiving freight and 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 



237 



passengers from the ships' tackles. On anil adjoining these wharves are ware- 
houses of capacity to store 25,000 bales of cotton or 125,000 barrels of mea- 
surement goods, besides a large amount of room embraced ingvvarerooms discon- 
nected with the wharves, affording space in the aggregate for 175,000 bar- 
rels. In addition to these facilities, she has three superior steam cotton-presses, 
(the Merchants', Marine and Shippers',) capable of compressing 1500 bales per day, 
and having storage-room, enclosed and covered in, for 20,000 bales. 

Of cotton factors and dealers there are some twenty, who, for enterprise, relia- 
bility and devotion to the interests of their correspondents, will compare favorably 
with the same number in any other city. Of general wholesale and retail dealers 
there are a host: suffice it to say that interior merchants and planters can find in 
Galveston almost any article they desire, and at fair prices. 

The facilities for building and repairing vessels are very good, and are increasing. 
Tiic yard and ways of Messrs. Biehling & Sherwood, of Galveston, are turning off 
a large amount of work, as also those of Hand <fc Miller, on the San Jacinto. Many 
small schooners and sloops have been built. 

Foundries akd Machine-Suops. — Of these, on a liberal scale, we have three, 
viz. : those of Iliram Close, M. L. Parry and James A. Cushman. These establish- 
ments annually turn out a large amount of work, in steam-engiues, boilers, cast- 
ings in brass, iron or composition, sugar-mills, kettles, &c. In addition to these, 
there are numerous shops of all kinds for wood or metallic works. The tariff of 
charges of the Merchants' Press is as follows : — 



VESSELS CHARGES, COASTWISE. 

For compressed freights. 

at i ct... delivered to vessel 33 cts. 

over i @ Sc 38 " 

" S @h 43 " 

" J @ ic 48 " 

" i ® Ic 55 " 

vessels' charges, foreign. 
For compressed freights. 

at id delivered to vessel 48 " 

over i @ id " " 58 " 

'• i (oi Id " " 75 " 

" Id " " 1 00 " 

consigxees' charges. 

Drayage, per load 25 " 

Weighing and sampling per bale 12i " 

Sampling only 4i " 

"Weighing only 8 " 

Marking weight on bales 2 " 

Storage per month, 'to date from 

time received, "(S bale 18 " 

For each bale of cottun rejected 
out of a lot turned out for se- 
lection, that may be necessary 
to re-store or re-pile, an addi- 
tional charire of 5 " 



shippers charges. 
Storage p month 'P bale to date 

from time of purchase 15 cts. 

Labor arranging for classing, Jtc, 

per bale 3 " 

Ship-marking and numbering, 

(original or class,) p bale 3 " 

Sampling per bale 4^ " 

All cotton delivered uncompress- 
ed, not paying storage, will be 

charged per bale 5 " 

repairs. 

Ropes, each 14 " 

Patches, each 20 " 

Ueads 40 " 

Sides 50 " 

Edges 60 " 

Damaged bales examined and 

picked, per bale 75 " 

Bales covered and roped in 

press $3 00 

Broken bales (when drv) re- 
baled ." $4 00 

Parti V wet, assorted and re- 
baled $4 50 

Damaged bales (when wet, or 

picking) dried and baled $6 00 



238 GALVESTON COUNTY. 

These presses are Tyler's largest steam-power presses, nearly new, in first- 
rate order, with every late improvement atta'ched, and are not surpassed hy any in 
the United States is strength, power and convenience in doing work. 

First among the public edifices of the city, the College of the Immaculate Con- 
ception deserves notice. It is a very large and magnificent structure of brick, eligibly 
situated, and, we understand, in a most prosperous condition. This, as its name 
betokens, is a Catholic institution. Established and conducted by the Oblates of 
Mary, under the patronage of the Right Rev. J. M. ODIN, Bishop of the Diocese. 
It stands on College Block, at the east end of the city. One session of ten months 
will constitute the collegiate year, from 1st October to 1st August. J. M. BAUDRE' 
President. 

The St. Mary's University, situated in an airy and healthy part of the city 
of Galveston, was founded in 1854, was incorporated by an act of the State 
Legislature in 1856, under the name and style of the University of St. Mary, and 
empowered to confer academical degrees upon graduates, and likewise honorary 
degrees on worthy and distinguished persons, as generally conferred in other 
Universities in the United States. Two sessions of five months each constitute 
the collegiate year, which will open on the 1st of October and close on the 1st of 
August. The regular course comprises the Latin, Greek and English languages, 
the Mathematics, including the Calculus, Descriptive Geometry, Mechanics and 
Astronomy, the principles of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, History, Poetry 
and Rhetoric. The commercial course includes English Poetry and Rhetoric, 
Elocution, History and Geography, Algebra, Geometry, Surveying and Civil 
Engineering, Book-Keeping, Botany and Chemistry. Boarders. — Terms, to be 
paid half-yearly in advance. Board and Tuition in the various branches of Com- 
mercial and Classical. — Education, $160 per annum, Washing and Mending, $15, 
Bed and Bedding, $10, Physician's Fees, $6, Music and Drawing, $40. An extra 
charge of twelve dollars will be made on those who study Spanish, German or 
Italian, and fifteen dollars per month for such as remain during vacation. Day 
Scholars. — Tuition in Primary Education, $3 per month. Tuition in Classical 
Education, $50. Half Boarders, such as only dine at the college, $80. 

The Catholic Cathedral is another ornament to this city, — a towering brick 
building, of spacious interior, and completed in the style of most other Catholic 
churches, and is one of the finest places of worship in the State. It was erected 
through the personal exertions of the Right Rev. Bishop Odin, who presides over this 
diocese, and is a man respected by all denominations for his superior attainments, 
and to whom Texas is indebted for the establishment of several first-class educa- 
tional institutions within her limits. 

The Galveston Female Seminary, established by the Rev. Mr. McCullough, 
now conducted by the Misses Cobbs, is an institution well deserving a favorable 
notice, and is destined to be of permanent advantage to the city. The exer- 
tions of the Misses Cobbs have been so much appreciated by the citizens of 
Galveston, that they have recently erected a suitable building for the purpose, 
evidently showing that they are determined to place this enterprise upon a 



OALVESTON COUNTY. 239 

firm basis, which it certainly merits, as it is calculated to he of immense benefit to 
the female portion of the rii^ing generation. 

Of churches there are one Episcopal, one Presbj-terian, (besides regular services 
in Morian Ilall,) two Methodist, (one German,) one Lutheran, one Baptist, two 
African, — in all, eight, — all of which are fine buildings, with good congrega- 
tions. The Episcopalians arc now erecting a new and beautiful edifice for divine 
worship. 

Of private buildings deserving special notice, the brick building of J. C. Kuhn, 
on the Strand, consists of three suites of stores on the first floor, each 100 feet deep 
bj' 28i wide in the clear, the walls 2 feet thick. On the second floor, each contains 
four beautifully-finished offices, (two in front and two in the rear,) one large room for 
sampling cotton, and one store-room, all occupied. On the thh-d floor (the inner suite 
being but two stories) there are also four fine offices, and two very large rooms, 
easily convertible into eight offices. The Custom-IIouse occupies the whole of the 
two-story building. The three-story brick of R. & D. (i. Mills, on the Strand, is 
equal in its structure to the other : the upper floors are occupied by the owners, the 
lower by I. G. AVilliams as an agricultural wareroom. The brick building of Mr. J. 
Berlocher, on the Strand, is similar to the latter : the first floor occupied by the owner 
as a store, the second by G. W. Strother, cotton-factor, and Messrs. Berry & 
Langan, the third by the Civilian, as a book and newspaper establishment, editors' 
room and book-bindery. The more recently erected iron-front buildings, be- 
longing to J. M. Jones and James Paul, are of a class far superior to any other ever 
built in Texas, and would not disgrace any street in the larger cities of the Union. 
While speaking of the buildings of Galveston, we must not omit to mention the 
fine stores occupied by Wm. M. Armstrong & Brother, Ball, Ilutchings & Co., and 
E. Kautfman & Co. There are many other buildings, either now going up or soon 
to be commenced. The foundations of the large stores of E. S. Wood and H. Rosen- 
berg are already laid, and vessels are now on the way from New York, with orna- 
mental iron castings said to be equal, if not superior, to any thing to be found at 
present in the city. The material for the Custom-IIouse is arriving from time to 
time, and that large edifice will soon tower up conspicuously in the heart of our city. 
The value of city property has advanced three and four fold in the short time above 
named, as will bo shown by the assessment-list, and proi)erty-holders are seeing 
their interest in constructing improvements of the most substantial character and 
in the very best style of architecture to be found in Northern cities. 

One of the most attractive features of Galveston is the house-furnishing ware- 
rooms of J. M. Sauter, on Tremont Street, one of the most complete establishments 
of the kind to be found in the United States : we verily believe that a family can 
arrive at Galveston at nine o'clock in the morning, engage a house, and, by having 
the funds at their command, (for Sauter does nothing but a cash business,) they can 
be snugly settled •' at home" before the going down of the sun, and have their house 
neatly — nay, elegantly — furnished in every department, with cverj' iota that the 
most fastidious could possibly require, — fine English carpet.-*, French china, 
Bohemian glassware, and Northern furniture, from the magnificent rose-wood piano 



240 GALVESTON COUNTY. 

down to the humble washboard. The elder brother of the firm is now travelling 
throuo-h Europe, selecting and shipping out the most appropriate articles for this 
country that" can be found, being determined that no establishment in the United 
States shall possess a more complete assortment of articles in his line or of a better 
quality than his own. His purchases, dui'ing the last twelve years, have been 
made invariably with cash. 

There is now quite a large and lucrative trade carried on between Galveston 
and Brazoria, through the medium of the canal, which was the first work of 
internal improvement of any magnitude ever entered into in Texas. It is in con- 
templation to enlarge this canal; and, if the projected improvements are carried 
out, — of which there is little doubt, they having received the sanction of the State 
Eno-ineer, — the benefits that will accrue to both counties will be immense, and of a 
nature to increase yearly in amount. 

Galveston is the starting-point of the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Rail- 
road. It is four miles to where it will cross the bay, at which point the bay is a 
fraction less than two miles wide where it crosses to Virginia Point, the next station 
being at Dickinson Bayou, 13J miles from Virginia Point, and named Hillsburg 
Station. The next station is at Clear Creek, 5^ miles beyond Hillsburg, and is 
named Franklin Station, after Judge B. C. Franklin, of Galveston. The terminus 
of the first section of twenty-five miles is 5i miles beyond Franklin and about 10 
miles from Harrisburg. 

The road between Virginia Point and the terminus, being an air-line with light 
grades, will, when connection is made with Harrisburg and Houston, (which will be 
by January 1st,) afford the most direct and rapid communication between these 
points and the city of Galveston, thus affording the interior towns already con- 
nected by railway with Houston and Harrisburg du'ect and speedy communication 
with Galveston. 

The road so far as completed is regarded by experienced railroad-men as a 
first-class road in every respect, and was constructed under the immediate superin- 
tendence of James Converse, Esq., Chief Engineer. 

It is worthy of remark that the iron has been laid on this section by Maj. Buel 
in the extraordinarily short period of about six weeks of working-time. He com- 
menced the first of February, but lost about two weeks in waiting for several hun- 
dred tons of iron that had to be shipped from New Orleans, and was still further 
delayed waiting the arrival of a locomotive. 

This company have, by the completion of the twenty-five miles, secured their 
charter and the land-donation of 256,000 acres which the completion of this section 
entitles them to, and we now regard this great work as placed beyond all possi- 
bility of failure and on the way to speedy completion. 

They are now progressing, under the superintendence of Tipton Walker, Esq., as 
their Chief Engineer, with the second section, from Franklin to Houston, which, 
when completed, will entitle them to 256,000 acres more. When they reach Houston 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 241 

the most difficult portion of this enterprise will have bcou completed, and this road 
ivill be rapidly finished onward to Henderson. 

This being the main trunk of the system of railroads now building or which may 
hereafter be built in this section of the State, the company are pushing on with vigor 
and perseverance, and the amount of business that will be done on this road whea 
completed will be immense. When it reaches the pine-forest, about thirty miles above 
Houston, this road will be the means of establishing a large and valuable timber- 
trade. In addition to this, a few miles farther, it will strike the Big-Thieket country, 
which, when effected, will be the means of inducing the •wners of that truly valu- 
able portion of the country to extend the cultivation of cotton, for which the soil 
of that region is admirably adapted. When it penetrates the country a little farther 
i will have entered the wheat-region of Texas, and we will then find that wheat 
will bo more important to Texas than either sugar or cotton. 

At the first glance it may appear strange to our readers that in the present con- 
dition of the State of Texas we should predict that the day is not far distant when 
the production of wheat will be of far greater importance than that of either sugar 
or cotton, and, in all moral probability, of both articles combined, as the soil and 
climate of the north and northwestern portions of the State are peculiarly adapted to 
wheat-growing, and that section of country will be sought after and populated by an 
immense number of immigrants whose means are limited, and who are dependent on 
the labor of their own hands and those of their family. These, with those who can 
afford to purchase one, two or three slaves, will make up the mass of the popula- 
tion that is destined ere long to settle up this large and truly valuable portion of our 
State, and to which they will flock in countless numbers so soon as its great fertility 
of soil and the salubrity of its climate become known. Our reason for believing 
this is that only the man of large means can successfully open and cultivate a 
sugar-plantation, for the immense outlay of capital required prevents men of even 
moderate means embarking in this business ; although in ordinary seasons it yields a 
large return, joined to which it is a well-known fact that on sugar-estates, although 
the labor is fiir heavier than that of any other agricultural pursuit, the negroes 
enjoy better health and live longer than the average. Indeed, such a thing 
as a consumptive person is scarcely ever known among the operatives on a sugar- 
plantation; and even those who only visit those places who have unfortunately 
the seeds of this insidious disease implanted in their system generally find im- 
. mense relief, and are perhaps radically cured, although in these cases Dr. Bolus or 
Dr. Moore obtains the credit, instead of the gases and steam that emanate from 
the boiling caldrons of cane-juice during the manufacture of sugar. 

So far as a cotton-plantation is concerned, it does not require the capital requisite 
for a sugar-plantation, although during the picking-season the labor is constant; 
yet those who are without negroes can profitably employ every member of the 
family, for no sooner does a child arrive at an age at which it is proper or reasonable 
for him to earn his daily bread than his services can be made available in the 
cotton-field during the picking-season. Besides, the planting of cotton and the rais- 

11 



242 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 



ing of wheat on one and the same fai'm can be united, as the seasons for cultivating 
these two crops are different, and one will interfere but little, if any, with the other, 
and by the industrious farmer can both be well attended to. 

The adaptation of the soil and climate of Northern and Northwestern Texas to the 
production of wheat is no longer doubtful. The raising of large and increasing crops 
of wheat in Northern Texas has become a fixed fact; and ample testimony has this 
season been produced, in the shape of thousands of bushels raised in that sec- 
tion of the country, — far more than will be required to supply the inhabitants and 
the large number of irrfftiigrants now flocking in. In June last, wheat could be 
bought in the neighborhood of Bonham, in Fannin county, at 60 cents per bushel; 
and there is but little doubt that the whole crop of those who required money 
could have been purchased for 50 cents per bushel, a price lower than it could be ob- 
tained at in any other part of the world; and even at these rates so easily can this 
article be produced and prepared for market that the farmers are growing rich by 
cultivating it. Under these circumstances, all that is necessary to increase the cul- 
tivation of wheat in that section of country is, that proper facilities for transporta- 
tion in the shape of railroads should be furnished, when the quantity raised will 
be increased a thousandfold, for as a wheat-growing country we have these decided 
advantages over any other, namely, the early period at which our crop comes to 
maturity, and the weight of the grain. In ordinary years our wheat is ready 
for the mill eai'ly in June; and, when this road is comjsleted, the facilities furnished 
by it to push the crops at once to an early market will secure to the farmers a 
handsome profit, for a far higher rate will be paid for fresh -ground, sweet flour 
made from new wheat, than for the flour made from old wheat in Missouri and 
Ohio, which at this season of the year loses much of its sweetness and is only used 
because no better can be obtained. Besides, what is not wanted for home-consump- 
tion would be readily taken for the European and West India markets, which could 
be easily shipped by this road to Galveston. 

The following is the amount of leading articles received at the port of Galveston 
during the last seven years. 



Articles. 


1860. 


1861. 


1852. 


1853. 


1854, 


1855. 


1856. 


Cotton, bales, 


26,225 


35,394 


52,794 


60,892 


84,173 


68,853 


20,196 


Sugar, hhds.' 


2,782 


1,036 


1,329 


4,076 


4,754 


4,731 


7,570 


Molasses, bbls. 


2,427 


1,990 


2,570 


6,086 


5,398 


6,728 


8,663 


Beef Cattle, 


2,905 


5.506 


3,429 


2,762 


5,957 


4,361 




Hides, 


14,092 


14,656 


13,222 


14,146 


13,224 


20,517 





The shipment of cotton for the year ending August 31, 1857, was as follows : 

To Foreign Ports :— Great Britain 9,792 bales. 

France 4,497 " 

North Europe 6,618 " 

Coastwise 68,638 " 



Making the total amount shipped 89,545 bales. 

TEXAS SILK-COTTON. 

On the 29th of November, 1856, the first crop of silk-cotton raised in Texas, 
eonsisting of five bales raised by Col. David Randon, residing on the Brazos 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 



243 



River, in Fort Bend county, was sold by Messrs. R. &, D. G. Mills, of Galveston, 
at the handsome price of TWENTY CENTS per pound. The seed from which 
this cotton was raised was recently imported from Mexico, and has never befora 
been tried in Texas. 

The only bank in Texas is the Commercial and Agricultural Bank, which 
was established in the yearlS42, and has never yet suspended payments. Samueii 
M. Williams is the President, and H. Jenkins is the Cashier. The charter under 
which they are operating was granted by the Government of Coahuila and Texas. 
Since the establishment of this bank, the mercantile interest of this portion of 
Texas has been much benefited, as it has introduced a system of promptness in 
taking up promissory notes on the day on which they are due, which was far from 
being the custom in olden times ; besides which, this establishment does a good 
business in exchange, and has been a great convenience to the merchants of 
Galveston. 

The house of R. & D. G. Mills, of Galveston, also do a large business in ex- 
changes, and for their liberalitj' to the sugar and cotton planters they certainly 
deserve success, as they have ever been ready to render, at all times, every assistance 
to the enterprising planter in their power, which is duly appreciated. 

The principal hotels in Galveston are the Tromont House, occupying nearly a 
whole square of ground on Tremont Street. The Island City House is conducted 
in first-rate style by Gen. Sidney Sherman, one of the heroes of San Jacinto. 
At this house will be found all the comforts that are attainable in a Southern 
hotel. One delightful feature is the long and wide piazza, which nearly surrounds 
the building. Sherman is a "host as is a host," as all who visit his establishment 
will cheerfully testify. 

The Washington House, conducted by Mr. Beisner, although the rate of charges 
is not so high as at the other first-class hotels, is a comfortable house, and Beisner 
is not the man to allow his guests to suffer for want of attention. If Sir John 
Fulstaff were alive, and were to visit Galveston, this is the place he would select 
to take his ease at ; and we take great pleasure in recommending those who are 
satisfied with good accommodations without superfluous display to visit this house. 

DISTANCES FROM GALVESTON UP THE BRAZOS RIVER TO 



The mouth 60 miles. 

Calvert's 3 " 

Cashe's 7 " 

Crosby's -1 " 

Payne's 9 " 

Brazoria 4 " 

Columbia 12 " 

Sayre's 3 " 

Tinsley's 8 " 

Hill's." 3 " 

Towue's 2 " 



Menard 3 miles. 

Bolivar 1 " 

Lobdell's 40 " 

Mauadue's 4 '• 

Big Creek 2 " 

Waters' 16 " 

Richmond 20 " 

Gaston's 22 " 

Randou'.s 45 " 

San Felipe 4.5 " 

Crump's 8 " 



Caney 30 miles. 

Groce's 8 " 

Peebles' 4 " 

Lancaster 30 " 

Warren 2 " 

Rock Island 40 « 

Washington 27 " 

Hidalgo 6 " 

Cole's 70 " 

Munson's Sh'ls...40 " 

Moseley's 25 " 

Port Sullivan 60 " 



244 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 



DISTANCES FROM GALVESTON UP THE TRINITY RIVER TO 



Liberty 104 miles, 

Green's Ferry... 6 " 

Hardin's 22 " 

Robinson's 20 " 

Tanner's 3 " 

J. Davis' 8 " 

Farrior's 12 " 

Troy 18 " 

Cherry's 1 " 

Bray's Camp.... 2 " 

Smithfield 18 " 

"Washington's... 1 " 

Drew's 4 " 

Summer's 5 " 

McCardles' 1 " 

R. Smith's 2 " 

Cochran's 6 " 

Cedar Landing.. 2 " 



Victory 4 miles. 

Swartwout 2 " 

Johnson's Bluff. 35 " 

Harrell's L'nd'g 10 " 

Patrick's Ferry. 15 " 

Jones' 4 " 

Fry's 6 " 

Ryon's 4 " 

Sol Adam's 3 " 

Whiterock 12 " 

Carolina 5 " 

Mrs. McDou's... 5 " 

Evan's Gin 2 " 

Stubblefields. . . 8 " 

McKinzie's 6 " 

Wright's Bluff... 13 " 

Cincinnati 3 " 

Groce's L'ding.. 10 " 



Westmoreland.. 


20 


miles 


Oceola 


1 




Clark's Bluff 


3 




Robbing' Ferry. 


10 






6 
10 




Cairo 




Alabama 


16 




Br'kfiel's Bluff.. 


20 




Moore's Old L... 


2 




Kickapoo Sh's.. 


10 




Hall's Bluff...... 


3 




Navarro 


32 




Magnolia 


31 




Blackshear's.... 


10 




Parker's Bluff.. 


15 




West Point 


10 




Evans' 


12 




Pine Bluff 


15 





Immigrants from the Northern States would do well to take one or other of the 
following lines of conveyances, as the rate of passage is about fifty dollars for 
adults and half-price for children, in the cabin and found, and families are treated 
on liberal terms. These vessels are well adapted to the trade, and are commanded by 
able and experienced men, and have ample accommodations. They generally per- 
form the trip in from fourteen to twenty-two days. 

GALVESTON AND NEW YORK STAR LINE. 

The following vessels will run as regular packets between Galveston and New 
York: — Bark Milton, 550 tons, Wm. Bradford, Master; Bark Houston, 550 tons, 
G. Share, Master; Bark Alamo, 550 tons, Mudgett, Master; Bark Te.xas, 550 tons, 
Luge, Master; Bark Robt. Mills, 500 tons, j'as. McNair, Master; Bark Golden Age, 
350 tons, Gilchrist, Master; Bark Sabine, 400 tons. Walker, Master; Bark Collama, 
360 tons, Kessam, Master. Messrs. WAKEMAN, DIAMOND & Co., Owners and 
Agents, New York. J. SHACKLEFORD, and POWELL & RUTHVEN, Agents, 

Galveston. 

TEXAS & NEW YORK LINE OF FACKETS. 

The following new and superior vessels compose the lines of packets between 
Galveston and New York: — Ship AY. H. Wharton, 750 tons, G. Gates; Ship Wm. B. 
Travis, 225 tons, D. N. Moss ; Ship J. W. Fannin, 500 tons, Leddy, Master ; Ship 
Stephen F. Austin, 500 tons, Jas. Clark ; Bark Montauk, 400 tons, George Lincoln ; 
Bark Norumbega, 400 tons, T. M. Brown. Messrs. J. H. Brower & Co. are the 
established agents in New York. The vessels will be under their entire control 
•while in that port. Shippers by this line may rely on having their goods forwarded 
with cai"e and despatch, and at all times at the lowest and most equitable prices. 

From the 1st of April to the 1st of November, no powder will be carried on 
any vessel belonging to this line. The vessels are amply fitted up with ac- 



GALVESTON COUNTY. 245 

comraodations for cabin and steerage passengers, and every attention is guaranteed 
for their comfort during the passage. The subscribers will make liberal advance- 
ments on all shipments of produce to the address of the Agents in New York, 
Messrs. J. II. Brower & Co. WM. HENDLEY & CO., Agents in Galveston. 

GALVESTON AND BOSTON PACKETS, 

PIERCE & BACON'S REGULAR LINE. 
New Ship Miss Mag, Capt. Benj. Hinckley ; New Bark San Jacinto, Capt. J. F. 
Colburn ; New Bark Island City, Capt. Asa Stevens ; New Bark Trinity, Capt. Hiram 
Hall ; New Bark Nueces, Capt. G. W. Taylor ; New Bark D. Godfrey, Capt. G. W. 
Parker ; New Bark Helen, Capt A. W. Stevens ; Brig Vesta, Capt. M. D. Fratus. 
For Freight or Passage, having superior accommodations, apply to E. B, NICHOLS 
& CO., Agents at Galveston. 

To those who emigrate from the Western States and do not use their own con- 
veyances by the overland route, all that is necessary is to reach New Orleans, 
where they will find the following lines of steamers from 

NEW ORLEANS TO GALVESTON AND INDXANOLA. 

SOUTHERN STEAMSHIP LINE. 

The following new and magnificent steamships now compose this line, viz. : 
Charles Morgan, Capt. Jas. Lawless; Mexico, Capt. John Lawless; Texas, Capt. 
W. H. Talbot; Perseverance, Capt. H. Place. One of them will leave New Orleans 
for Galveston every Sunday and Thursday, at 8 o'clock A.M.; returning, wiU leave 
Galveston for New Orleans every Sunday and Thursday, at 4 o'clock P.M. These 
steamers have been built with great care and cost especially for this trade, have 
splendid accommodations for passengers, and for speed and safety are not surpassed. 
For freight or passage apply to E. B. Nichols & Co., Galveston, H. N. Caldwell, 
Indianola, Harris & Morgan, New Orleans. 

UNITED STATES MAIL LINE. 
New Orleans and Opelousas Railroad, connecting at Berwick's Bay with 
the new and splendid steamships Galveston and Opelousas, of twelve hundred 
tons' burden each, built expressly for this route, and so constructed as to avoid 
the dangers and delays heretofore arising from the passage over the Texas bars. 
Passengers will leave New Orleans from the Ferry Landing, opposite Jackson 
Square, on Sunday and Thursday mornings, at 10 o'clock, commencing on Sunday, 
May 10th, 1857. The Opelousas, Capt. A. Van Home Ellis, will leave on Sun- 
days, and the Galveston, Capt. C. P. Washburn, on Thursdays. Returning, 
{he days of leaving Indianola will be Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Galves- 
ton Sundays and Thursdays, at 1 o'clock P.M. For freight or passage apply 
the Railroad-Office in New Orleans, and in Galveston or Indianola on board the 
steamers, or to David Wilson, Sole Agent for this line in Texas. 



246 MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

Montgomery county is bounded on the north by AValker county, on the south 
by Harris county, on the east by Liberty county, and on the west by Grimes 
county. Its area is 852 square miles, and it was created out of Washington county 
on the 14th of December, 1837. It is well watered by the San Jacinto River and 
its numerous tributaries. The post-ofiices are Montgomery, Danville, Rusk and 
Shannon's. This county is attached to the Seventh Judicial District. Peter W. 
Gray is the District Judge, and James G. McDonald is the District Attorney. 
The sessions of the court are held on the fifth Monday after the first Monday in 
April and October, which falls upon the 10th day of May and 8th day of November, 
1858, and the gth day of May and the 7th day of November, 1859. The 
Notaries Public are L. L. Bradbury, Jonathan S. CoUard and Charles B. 
Stewart. 

Montgomery county was laid oflF by the first Congress of the old Republic, in 
1836-37, and at that date was the only county besides Robertson noi-th of Harris, 
most of the territory from the Gulf to Red River between the Brazos and Trinity 
being comprehended within the limits of Harris, Montgomery and Robertson. The 
present counties of Grimes, Walker and Madison, and a portion of Polk west of 
the Trinity, were part of Montgomery proper until 1846. The present area of 
Montgomery is very little over the constitutional limits, — 900 square miles. There 
is very little prairie in the county, but that is generally of the best quality of black, 
Stifi" land, intermixed with sand, very productive, and easily kept in cultivation. A 
bale of cotton to the acre is claimed as frequently realized on these lands, though 
the average product is less. Thirty-five bushels of corn is a common yield with 
good cultivation. The prairie-region runs mainly through the centre of the county 
from east to west, and is occasionally bordered with a heavy growth of oak and 
hickory of a very superior quality. Nearly all of the country between the 
black prairies and Spring Creek, the southern boundar.y, is poor and covered with a 
growth of small pines. On the creeks, however, especially on Spring and Walnut, 
the timber is larger and the lands proportionally better. There is also an exten- 
sive pine-country on the San Jacinto and its tributaries : some of the timber is very 
fine and already becoming valuable for sawing-purposes. The country about Dan- 
ville sustains a heavy settlement, and is considered first-rate upland. What ia 
extensively known as Big Thicket lies on the eastern border of the county, be- 
tween the forks of the San Jacinto. A great deal of this laud is high, sandy and 
very productive, covered with a dense growth of large timber, post-oak, white oak, 
also black walnut, hickory, ash, and in some places magnolia and wild peach. There 
are extensive cane-brakes, similar to those on the Tombigbee, in Alabama. These 
lands are generally hold in very high esteem, and are selling readily, unimproved, 
at from five to ten dollars per acre. Very extensive settlements Jiave been made in 
the Big Thicket within the last five years. The best uplands of Montgomery are 
generally held at from four to t«n dollars. Pine-lands can be bought at from one 
to four dollars. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 247 

Tho town of Montgomcrj', the county sent, i? a hamlsonie and thriving place, 
oontaiuing about three hundred inhabitants. It has a good coiijt-houso, several 
church edifices, an academy, and a number of pleasant private residences. 

Tho lumber-business of the county is already considerable, — several large mills 
being in operation, and others going up in the southern and western portions. 
These mills have an extensive demand for the supply of Austin and Washington 
counties and the northern part of Harris. A good deal of the lumber used at the 
new town of Cypress is hauled from the mills on the north side of Spring Creek, 
the price at the mills being five dollars per thousand less than at Houston, which 
justities hauling. The lumber-men of this section expect to deliver lumber on tho 
railroad at Houston prices, — so that, unless the price there falls sufficiently below 
fifteen dollars to pay for transportation to the point where the lumber from Mont- 
gomery and Grimes reaches the road, these counties will monopolize the supply of 
the vast demand to be created by this construction. The product of the mills of 
this county, if worked up to their average capacity, would be over four millions 
of feet annually. At that figure the value of the product is about sixty thousand 
dollars. 

The population of Montgomery county in 1850 was two thousand four hundred 
and sixty-three, of whom one thousand five hundred and twenty-three were whites, 
and six hundred and eighty slaves. The present white population is estimated at 
about three thousand; the slave population in 1S55 was one thousand four hundred 
and forty-eight, — valued at seven hundred and fifty-six thousand eight hundred and 
forty dollars. The number of horses in 1850 was seven hundred and thirty-four, 
valued at twenty-eight thousand five hundred and sixty-five dollars, against 1,026 
in 1855, valued at seventy thousand four hundred dollars. The number of cattle 
since 1851 has decreased from six thousand two hundred and thirty-six head to 
five thousand seven hundred and eighty in 1855. On the other hand, the value of 
this species of property in 1855 was twelve thousand three hundred and seventy- 
five dollars greater than in 1850. This fact is accounted for by the extraordinary 
rise in the value of cattle occasioned by the greatly-increased demand. Immigrants 
have been supplied extensively, a demand grew up in 1851-55 for the California 
market, and, after the Western States became so completclj' connected with the 
Eastern cities by railroads, the demand for Texas cattle not only increased at New 
Orleans, but it was found profitable to drive them to Missouri for shipment to New 
York and Philadelphia. 

The small number of cattle in Montgomery countj', when compared with the 
number in the prairie-country north, west and south of it, confirms the prevailing 
opinion that the prairie-counti'y is much better adapted to stock-raising than tim- 
bered regions. 

The taxable wealth of Montgomery in 1S50 amounted to $402,080; the average 
value of land was only eighty-five cents per acre. Tho taxable wealth in 1855 
was one million five hundred and fifty-one thousand eight hundred and seventy- 
one dollars, and the average value of land two dollars and thirty cents per acre, 



248 COMAL COUNTY. 

showing an increase of wealth equal to nearly four hundred per cent, in five years. 
It would be difficult to find a more rapid increase in the value of property in any 
part of the State than these figures indicate. 

— '^^^^S^^S-f*- — 

COIfflAL COUNTY. 

Comal county is bounded on the north by Gillespie and Hays counties, on the 
south by the Cibolo River, which separates it from Bexar county and a part of 
Guadalupe county, on the east by Hays and Guadalupe counties, and on the 
west by Kerr county. This county was formed out of Bexar and Travis counties, 
and was organized on the 24th of March, 1846. Its ai-ea is 1024 square miles. 
The Guadalupe River meanders through the whole extent of this county near its 
centre. The other water-courses are the Cibolo River, Isaac's, Jacob's, Bear, Tom's 
Bate's, Anna's, Rebecca's, Simmon's, Curry's Spring, Sabina's, Wasp, Violet, Sis- 
ters', Joshua's and Comal Creeks, also Martin's Fork of the Rio Blanco. This 
county composes a portion of the Fourth Judicial District, of which Thomas 
J. Devine is the District Judge and Frank Egan is the District Attorney. 
The sessions of the court are held on the first Monday in March and September, 
which falls upon the first day of March and the sixth day of September, 1S5S, 
and the seventh day of March and the fifth day of September, 1859. The 
Notaries Public are Julius Harme, N. S. Rictor, George H. Judson, F. Kaltege- 
rand, Albretch Dittmau. The post-offices are New Braunfels and Sisterdale. 

New Braunfels, the county seat, is situated on the banks of the Guadalupe and 
Comal Rivers. Its streets are wide and well graded, and the houses without any 
pretensions to elegance, have a peculiar air of comfort and neatness, as each one is 
either neatly painted or stuccoed, and has its own little well-cultivated garden at- 
tached. In the town there are two taverns, one of them kept by Matthew Taylor, the 
other by Gustavus Schmidt, at either of which a man can regale himself with the 
fat of the land well prepared and at moderate chai-ges, while he may rest assured 
that his horse or mule is equally well cared for. There are seven wagon-makers in 
this town, who are justly celebrated for their workmanship. These wagons, 
although not very beautiful in appearance, are highly and justly prized for their 
solidity and lasting qualities. Indeed, the mechanical arts are here carried on 
to a considerable extent, as the Germans are generally excellent workmen, such as 
tanners, tailors, shoemakers, saddlers, machinists, tin, copper, gun, lock and black- 
smiths, carpenters, bricklayers, turners, <fec. There is an ably-edited weekly paper* 
the New Braunfels Zeitung, edited by Mr. Lindheimer, the eminent naturalist, 
established here. This is one of the few counties which have as yet established free 
schools. In them are taught both the German and English languages. 

This city was laid off in 1844, and by its charter its limits extend for three miles 
in every direction from its centre, whereon the public square is located. On the 
Comal River, which divides it from Coma and Comaltown, has recently been erected 
a substantial bridge. The city proper contains about 2500 inhabitants, besides 
those settled in the adjoining villages of Hortontown, Neighborsville, Comaltown, 



COMAL COUNTY. 249 

anil Coma. The population of this town, although very fond of lager beer, of -which 
article there are two breweries, is perhaps as quiet, orderly and industrious a 
community as could be desired. Although far from their fatherland, by the aid 
of their pipe and the charms of music, they appear to enjoy life; for within a circle 
of ten miles, including New Braunfels, we believe that there is more first-olass 
musical talent to be found than in anj' district of country in the United States 
of ten times that dimension. It is no common thing to find men who have passed 
the day in mauling rails or driving oxen presiding in the evening at the piano, and 
executing in a superior manner not only the ordinary music of theu- country, but 
the choicest morceaux of the Italian Opera. 

Sundays and festival-days are more thoroughly days of rest and recreation here 
than in any other portion of the State; and although the churches, of which they 
have two Protestant and one Catholic, are not overcrowded, the casinos and 
beer-saloons are well attended ; but, strange to say, the appearance of a drunken 
man in the streets of this town would be a novelty. 

The water-power of the Comal and Guadalupe within the corporate limits has 
not its superior in the United States, and by a very simple system of water-works 
every family in the town could be supplied with pure spring-water at a trifling ex- 
pense. Already the water-power has been turned to some advantage, two mills hav- 
ing been erected near its head, two more about half a mile below, and near the 
middle of the town, directly above the bridge, is one of the largest flouring-mills in 
the State, a building three stories high, and connected with it is a door, sash and 
blind factory; and there is now an effort being made to establish a cotton-factory 
here, as the German farmers in this neighborhood have commenced the cultivation 
of cotton, which will be to them highly productive, as they can employ every mem- 
ber of their famih' profitably, from the child of five years old to those of mature 
years, during picking-time. 

The Germans own comparatively few slaves as yet. This is not to be attributed to 
their being abolitionists, but simply to the force of circumstances, as the most of 
them commence life on a small scale : ten acres of land is sufficient for a farmer; 
but then they gcnei-ally cultivate it properly. As soon as they are able to provide 
themselves with a shelter, they next endeavor to procure a few cows, and then fol- 
lows of course negro propertj', — although that is not so essential for them as for 
other persons, as they can always command German labor at a very low rate, in 
consequence of the semi-annual arrival of their countrymen, who, being unacquaint- 
ed with our language, are glad to obtain a situation where they can earn a trifle 
while they become initiated into our mode of doing business and the language 
of the country, keeping carefuly the small amount of money that they have 
brought with them until they have become familiar with the manners and 
customs of the country, and then investing it in lands and cattle. I am well ac- 
quainted with a blacksmith who in 1818 had not five dollars in the world ; 
he bought land on credit, went to work, built himself a small house, married, 
and is now worth from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars, and has besides a 

II* 



250 ROBERTSON COUNTY. 

half-dozen fine healthy children. So much for patient industry, perseverance and 
strict attention to business. 

The day is not far distant when the almost unlimited water-power of the Comal 
■will be made a source of incalculable wealth to this county. It is almost a matter 
of impossibility, that when its immense capacity becomes known it will long 
remain idle. The necessary capital must be raised. For, with inexhaustible water- 
power to drive any quantity of machinery, they have the lands to produce all the 
cotton they require, without the trouble or expense of haling, shipping, and com- 
pressing, and without the charges attendant on shipment, such as freight, insurance, 
handling, wharfage, and the endless etceteras to be found in bills of charges fur- 
nished by New York merchants to our planters, — as the cotton could be sent direct 
from the fields to the gin and factory. Besides this, innumerable flocks of sheep 
could be raised in the immediate vicinity of these points, so that we could supply 
the factories with the raw materials, at the same time that we produced the bread 
and meat in the immediate vicinity to support the operatives ; and, what is quite 
as essential, we have a home market to absorb all the productions of a reason- 
able number of mills. Let those who are about investing their means in manu- 
factories in the Northern States turn their attention to Texas, and examine for 
themselves the superior advantages we offer, and we are satisfied that they will give 
the above-named point the decided preference. 

If large factories were established at New Braunfels, a ready market would 
be found for all the goods they could manufacture, not only in this State, but also 
in the difi'erent departments of Mexico, — a large portion of the trade with the latter 
being now carried on through the city of San Antonio, in fabrics that we could pro- 
duce, obtained from the Northern factories ; and this branch of their business is 
rapidly inci'easing, and must continue to do so. 

At the foot of Mission Hill, about four miles northeast from New Braunfels, is the 
farm of G. W. Kendall, one of the founders of the New Orleans Picayune newspaper, 
who, after travelling all over the world, came to the conclusion that there was no 
country like Texas. He has there a fine flock of sheep, numbering several thou- 
sand, and has done more than any other man to advance the interests of sheep-hus- 
bandry in Texas, having, at an enormous expense, introduced some of the finest 
European and Northern full blood of approved varieties ,• and he is now supplying 
those who wish to improve their stock with choice animals at a very low price. 
Probably there is no man that has rendered more important service to Texas than 
George W. Kendall, by his attention and perseverance in this branch of industry. 

ROBERTSON COUNTY. 

Robertson county is bounded on the north by part of Falls and Limestone 
counties, on the south by Brazos county, on the east by the Navasoto River, which 
divides it from Leon county, and on the west by the Brazos River, which separates 
it from Milam county. It is well watered by the Little Brazos River, which mean- 
ders through the county from north to south, nearly parallel with the Main Bra- 



ROBERTSON COUNTY. 251 

zos : it is also watered hj- AYalnut Creek, Mud Creek, Pin Oak Creek, Spring Creek, 
Steel Creek, Duck Creek, Mineral Creek, and Camp Creek. Its area is 840 square 
miles. It is included in the Thirteenth Judicial District, of which John Gregg 
is Judge and Charles Stewart District Attorney. The sessions of tho court 
continue one week, and are held on the second Monday in March and Sep- 
tember,— the 8th March and 1.3th September, 1858, and the 14th March and 12th 
September, 1859. The Notaries Public of this county are Harrison Owen, Fran- 
cis L. Barziza, Wm. P. Townsend and John 11. Feeny. The post-oflSces are 
Wheelock, Eutaw and Owensville. The latter town is the seat of justice. 

This county was originally a portion of the municipality of Milam, and was 
created on the 14th December, 1837. It has again been subdivided, and out of a 
portion of it has been created a p.art of Brazos, Dallas, and the whole of Leon, 
Navarro, Limestone and Freestone counties. 

This county, both as regards latitude and position in tho territory of Texas, is 
favored above almost any other in the State. The 31st parallel of latitude runs 
pretty nearly, or quite, through her centre ; and, situated as she is very nearly 
in tho centre of the settled portion of the State, equidistant from the Gulf of 
Mexico on the south, the grain-region on the north, the Sabine on the east and 
the Rio Grande on the west, she possesses advantages rarely to be found in any 
other section of our country. Robertson county is bounded on its entire western 
boundary for thirty odd miles by the Brazos River, and on the east by the Navasoto. 
The supposition is that the Brazos Valley, through its entire length, will ave- 
rage four miles wide ; and in point of fertility of soil it is unsurpassed by any lands, 
not only in Texas, but in the Union. The aspect of tho upland countrj', as you 
leave tho Brazos Valley, is exceedingly beautiful. 

The ascent to the divide between the two rivers (the Navasoto and Brazos) is an 
almost imperceptible rise through a succession of beautiful sweeps or long slopes of 
country, gradual in rise and declivity till you reach tho ridge that separates their 
waters. The uplands, as you travel each way or to either stream, are heavily set 
with post-oak timber, and are of a deep mulatto or yellow cast, interspersed with 
creeks running through them at convenient intervals, affording good bottom-lands 
and plenty of stock-water in the dryest season. 

From my knowledge of the cotton-plant and the soil and climate best adapted 
to its growth, I am satisfied that the soil and climate of Robertson county are 
adapted to the production of the finest cotton raised in the cotton-growing States. 

Emigration is now passing through this countj-, going westward : it has hereto- 
fore all gone above and below. But tho " iron horse" is coming : already we 
may hear his snort and see him rapidly approaching in the distance, with 
his long, ponderous train laden with the rich merchandise of the Gulf cities to 
exchange for the valuable productions of Central and Northern Texas. If we had 
three railroads diverging from some prominent point on the Gulf, Texas would 
occupy a very important position in a very short time. 

The new county seat of Robertson county, Owensville, is situated sixteen miles 



252 BANDERA COUNTY. 

above Wheelock, on a beautiful elevated spot of ground, nearly in the centre 
of the county, and on the dividing ridge between the Brazos and Navasoto 
Rivers, and within one mile and a half of the proposed route for the Houston, Red 
River and Central Texas Railroad. The commanding position of this infant town, 
its climate, its soil, its health, the country by which it is surrounded, all foreshadow 
it as a place of considerable trade and importance. They have already a beautiful 
court-house and jail; and a female academy is in course of construction. 

—•+^f>t «.$>"-**- — 

BURLESON COUNTY. 

Burleson county was originally a part of old Milam county, out of which it 
was created on the 24th March, 1846. It is bounded on the north by Milam 
county, on the south by the Yegua River, which divides it from Washington county, 
on the east by the river Brazos, which separates it from Brazos county, and on 
the west by Bastrop, county. Its area is 976 square miles. The lands on the 
Brazos are generally of first-rate quality ; while those on the Yegua cannot be sur- 
passed as a hog-range. Besides the Brazos River and the First, Second and Third 
Yegua, this county is watered by Hickory Creek, Davidson's Creek, Big Creek, Birch 
Creek and Cedar Creek. The majority of the land in this county is sandy, post- 
oak land, and, like the Yegua hind, but little valued except as a hog-range. There 
is, however, a strip of land, about twenty miles long and from one to three miles 
wide, known as the String Prairie, that is bounded on both sides by a sandy, post- 
oak country, that is truly excellent mulatto land, and is very highly prized. 
This county is comprised within the limits of the Third Judicial District, over 
which R. E. B. Baylor presides as Judge, and N. W. Battle is District At- 
TOENEY. The court holds its sessions on the third Monday after the second Mon- 
day in March and September, which is j.he 29th March and 4th October, 1858, and 
the 4th April and 3d October, 1869. Caldwell is the county seat and is situated 
on Davidson's Creek. Its post-offices are Caldwell, Brazos, Bottom, Chance's, 
Prairie, Lexington, Porter's Prairie and Prospect. 

BANDERA COUNTY. 

Bandera county is bounded on the north by Kerr and Bexar counties, on the 
south by Medina and Uvalde counties, on the east by Kerr and Bexar counties, and 
on the west by Bexar district. Its principal water-courses are the Medina River, 
Mason's, Wallace, Bandera and Cannon Creeks, and the Sabinal River. Its area is 
1068 square miles. This county is a portion of the Eighteenth Judicial District, 
of which E. E. Buckner is Judge and James Paul is District Attorney. 
The District Court commences on the fifth Monday after the first Monday in 
March and September, the 5th day of April and the 11th day of October, 1858, 
and the lith day of April and 10th day of October, 1859. This county was created 
out of Bexar and Uvalde counties, on the 26th January, 1865. Bandera county 



BANDERA COUNTY. 253 

derives its name from " Bandera" or "Flag Pass," a pass on the old Indian trail 
leading to the interior of Mexico. 

Its county seat is Bandera, situated on the northeast bank and in a bend of the 
Medina River about one mile in length and a half-mile in breadth. The 
Bandera Creek enters the river from the north, about one mile below the town. 
Near the head of this creek is Camp A^erde. twelve miles from the town, at present 
occupied by a company of United States troops under the command- of Capt. 
Palmer. The elevation of this town is 1300 feet above tide-water. It is surrounded 
by a range of mountains from five to fifteen miles distant, a full view of which is 
afforded from the town. The course of the Bandera Creek is circuitous, and its 
banks are well wooded with valuable cypress timber. At a distance of two miles to 
the southwest of the town there is a beautiful peak, while to the northeast, at a 
distance of about five miles, there is another peak, and the river flowing for two 
miles in front of the town in a northeast course, as if running from one peak to 
the other, gives the town quite a picturesque appearance. 

Three years ago this county was entirely unoccupied : now it contains within 
the limits of the town-site over fifty families, besides a great number of farms in 
its immediate vicinity. This is to be attributed to the energy of its enterprising 
proprietors, John James, of San Antonio, J. H. Herndon, of Quiutana, and Charles 
De Montcl, of Castroville, who own not onlj' the town-site, but also about 15,000 
acres of land in the immediate vicinity, which they are selling ofi" in small 
tracts at fair prices, and on accommodating terms, to all who apply that can pro- 
duce good references, to whom they will always extend every facility in 
their power. They have erected within the last two years the best water-mill to 
bo found in AVestern Texas, and a superior and commodious hotel. The pro- 
prietors are all practical business-men, and, being aware of the advantages that this 
town-site possesses, have invested active capital with no sparing hand, and thus 
are fast developing the rich resources of this place, from which, no doubt, they 
will ere long reap a rich return. This town is but 42 miles from San Antonio, and 
its greater elevation — six hundred and fifty feet above that place — will make it a 
place of considcraljle resort for pleasure-seekers and invalids during the summer 
months, for they will find a positive change of climate within one day's ride. The 
mountains which surround this valle}' will have the effect to cause an abundance 
of rain to insure good crops, as an evidence of which, although the countrj- by 
which this place is surrounded has this j'car been parched by a severe drought, j-et 
the rains that have fallen here have been found to be amply sufiBcient to satisfy the 
farmer. The timber, besides cj'press, is Lynn, post and live-oak, cherry, plum, 
walnut and pecan, and in several places in the vicinity of the town the sugar- 
maple, — a tree seldom found in any other portion of Texas. Besides this, there 
is an immense quantity of grape-vines growing, not only on the mountains 
but in the valle3-s, which from their quality plainly indicate that the day is not 
far cli-tant when '' Bandera Wine" of approved quality will be found sparkling in 
ruby brightness on the tables of the bon vivants of the principal cities of the North. 



254 LIVE-OAK COUNTY. 

All that is required to consummate this is the settlement within its limits of a few 
of the hardy peasantry from the banks of the Rhine, or other wine-growing 
countries, for we certainly have the natural advantages, and only require the skill 
and experience of proper operatives to produce to a very large amount a first-class 
article of pure grape-juice wine. 

On the public square of the town of Bandera they are now quarrjdng building- 
stone of superior quality; and lime of an excellent quality can be obtained here at 
sixty cents per barrel. 

Within the limits of this county is to be found the celebrated Canon De Uvalde, 
which, under the proprietorship of Victor Considerant and his associates, will one 
day, and that ere long, assume a position as a manufacturing-point that will add 
greatly to the wealth of this portion of the country, as few spots have greater 
natural advantages of water-power than this Cauon. 

At Camp Verde in this county is the head-quarters of the camels and drome- 
daries imported by the Government some years ago into this State for the purpose 
of trying the experiment how they would answer the purposes of transport on the 
great sandy plains in the extreme west of the State. They have proved eminently 
successful, and come up to the full expectations of all. At last accounts they were 
on their journey, heavily laden, to the extreme frontier of New Mexico. All are 
now satisfied that the importation of camels was no chimerical scheme, as was 
anticipated, but a wise, judicious and economical undertaking, reflecting credit on 
the originators of the plan. There are now employed nineteen dromedaries and 
thirty-two camels on the frontier. The climate agrees with them admirablj', and 
but few accidents by disease or otherwise have occurred. 



LIVE-OAK COUNTY. 

Live-Oak county was originally a portion of San Patricio and Nueces counties, 
and was laid off on the 2d of February, 1S56. It contains an area of 1946 square 
varas, and derives its name from the large number of fine live-oak trees which 
adorn almost every portion of the county. It is bounded on the north by 
Atascosa county, on the south by San Patricio, on the east by Goliad county, and 
on the west by Bexar and San Patricio counties. It is situated in the Fourteenth 
Judicial District, of which M. P. Norton is Jcdge and John T. Enoch District 
Attorney. Its Notaries Public are A. McNeal, N. Gussett and John Powell. 

This county has two terms of the District Court, each of one week, the first 
Monday after the first Monday in April and October, being the 12th April and 11th 
October, 1858, and the 11th April and 10th October, 1859. 

The river Nueces meanders through the whole extent of this county, and it is 
well watered by the numerous branches of that stream, — the Rio Frio, the Atas- 
cosa, the San Christoval, the Caresse, Spring Creek, the Puentas de la Piedra, the 
Chicanatillo, and the La Parra, also the West Aransas and the Pacsta Creek. 

This county is located in the most fertile and best-timbered portion of the Nueces 
and Frio Valleys, and affords an abundance of nutritious grasses for grazing, rich 



SAN SABA COUNTY. 255 

prairies for farming, and sufficient materials for fencing, building and other domes- 
tic purposes. The very heart of the county is supplied with water from the Nueces 
and Frio, which form a junction at or near its centre. Other portions are supplied 
from lakes and springs of pure, lasting water, in which respect it will compare favor- 
ably with the best-watered portions of the State. As you approach from San Patricio, 
the country becomes undulating, and, with the live-oak trees in their richest foliage, 
scattered over thousands of acres, as though planted by the hand of man, with a 
verdant carpet beneath covering the whole surface, presents some of the most beau- 
tiful landscapes in the whole field of nature. Along the small streams and natural 
drains with which it is well supplied are to be found tables of alluvium of great 
richness. The soil, generally appearing very productive, is varied both in quality 
and character. In some places is found the high, rolling, sand}' land, but this exists 
to a limited extent; then comes the "live-oak" table, — a medium between the post- 
oak ridge and raezquite bottom-lands, as well suited to grazing as either of the 
others, and, we think, superior for agricultural purposes. This, together with the 
mezquite-land, covers nearly or quite one-half of the county ; leaving by no means 
small, however, the quantity of cultivable alluvial lands, as before remarked, skirt- 
ing the natural drains of the country. The appearance of live-oak is that of an 
everglade. 

Oakville, the capital, has, as might naturally be supposed, a site of rare beauty and 
attraction, and, in addition to being both high and dry, is supplied with never-fail- 
ing springs, some of which are strongly impregnated with sulphur and believed 
to contain valuable medicinal properties. The site is in the form of a crescent, 
being nearlj' surrounded by the Sulphur, a stream that derives its name from 
springs by which it is in part supplied. 

Evidences of enterprise and prosperity mark the way; emigration of the best 
possible character is to be seen pouring into Live-Oak ; Mr. James, of Oakville, is 
preparing to erect a saw-mill, which will bo of great assistance to settlers, as the 
distance from Corpus Christi to Live-Oak — on an average, sixty miles — is con- 
sidered too great for the transportation of lumber, even for building-purposes, when 
a supply of large straight timber can be found on the spot. 

Considering how recently this county has been organized, how lately the 
country was wrested from the savage Comanche and merciless Lipan, it is really 
astonishing to behold how much has been accomplished in so short a time. 



•+-»#(S^-3- 



SAN SABA COUNTY. 

San Saba county is bounded on the north by the Colorado River, which sepa- 
rates it from Brown county, on the south by Llano county, on the east by the 
Colorado River, which separates it from Lampases county and a small portion of 
Buruet county, and on the west by McCullough county. Its post-ofiBce is 
at San S.aba City, a beautifullj'-selected town-site situated on a branch of Simp- 
son's Creek, near the head, where there is a magnificent spring. The Colorado 



256 SAN SABA COUNTY. 

River forms the boundary of this county on the north and east sides, while the 
San Saba River passes through the county, entering it on its western boundary-line, 
near the southwest corner, and emptj'iug into the Colorado River on its eastern 
boundary. It is also watered by Cherokee, Marble, Rough, Simpson's, Wallace, 
Deep, Richland, Job's, Wilbarger's, Spring, Waco, Horse, Terrace, Rip and Moore's 
Creeks. This county comprises within its limits the whole of Harvey's District, 
No. 2, and Tivey's District, No. 8, and a small portion of Hays's District, No. 7, of 
Fisher and Miller's Colony. 

Texas is emphatically a grazing-country, and it would be invidious in us 
to designate any one spot as presenting superior advantages over the rest of the 
State for stock-raising ; yet we must acknowledge that the region of country wa- 
tered by the San Saba and Upper Colorado River and her tributaiies is pre-emi- 
nently adapted to this business. The cattle appear to grow larger and fatter, and 
come to maturity at least one year sooner, than they do in the southern counties ; 
that is to say, beeves three j'cars old are here as heavy as those four years old 
in the lower counties; but this advantage, until we get our railroads in run- 
ning order, will in a great measure be counterbalanced so soon as the increase 
of the stock in this section of the country exceeds the amount required for the 
consumption of the neighborhood ; but, owing to the great influx of immigration, 
there is not much probability that the increase will become so great that the gra- 
ziers will have a great superabundance until the enterprising spirit which seems 
to impel the citizens of every portion of our State to push forward the work 
internal improvement, in the shape of railroads, shall reach this section of country, 
which it will inevitably do within the next seven years. 

As regards the expense of handling and taking care of cattle, a great deal de- 
pends upon the locality. As a matter of course, if stock be kept in a close boun- 
dary, and, by strict attention and close herding, be accustomed to graze on a limited 
area, they will be attended with less trouble and expense than if they are permitted 
to roam at large : in the latter case the labor of gathering them is immense, to say 
nothing of the largo percentage that is lost. For a small stock the first method is 
decidedly the best; but for a large stock the close herding and penning requisite 
is injurious, often causing disease, and in some cases death. But, no matter how 
large your stock may be, you ought to keep them within reasonable bounds, and be 
careful that your calves are branded and marked in proper season, and that they are 
regularly salted at one spot at least every week. 

In many States cattle are raised and fatted for the market merely as the means 
of marketing the productions of the farms, which are too remote for the trans- 
portation of their hay and grain. From the Patent-OflSce Reports, we find that in 
Wisconsin it costs to raise a steer, until he arrives at the ago of three years, eight 
dollars; in Tennessee, from seven and a half to eightdollars; while in Connec- 
ticut the cost is thirtv dollars. These estimates, it is to be presumed, include only 
the actual cost of grain and fodder fed away, and not labor or interest on the 
investment : the latter is a very important item, when we consider the immense 



SAN SABA COUNTY. 257 

difference between the outlay necessary for stock in Connecticut and that requisito 

in Texas. 

In Te.xas our beef cattle are considered fully saleable at the ago of four years. 

Let us see what they cost at that age : — 

Interest on cost of the mother-cow at 10 per cent, per annum $00 CO 

Cost of branding and marking 1 00 

Cost of gathering and selling 1 00 

Interest on cash paid for branding, $1 for four years at 10 per cent.... 40 
Corn, oats, fodder, salt, &c 25 

$3 25 
Thus it will be seen that, after allowing the very highest price for labor, interest 
at the rate of ten per cent, per annum on the investment, the cost of raising a four- 
year-old beef for the shambles in Texas does not exceed three dollars and 
TWENTY-FIVE CENTS, the greater portion of which can be saved by personal attention ; 
while the butchers will readily p.ay in cash for them, on an average, fifteen dollars 
each, — and this, too, for grass-fed beef, which for nutriment and flavor is far superior 
to the Northern stall-fed beef, to say nothing of the unhealthy meat furnished by 
those who are in the habit of feeding with distillery-wash. There is no valid rea- 
son why this business should not be largely extended in this section of country, 
where land can be had at a reasonable rate, grazing of the best quality for nothing, 
and where the mortality is but a trifling percentage and the increase very large. 
Besides this, the grazier, with but little extra help, can raise all the corn, oats, pota- 
toes, peas, wheat, cotton, &c. he may require for family use, and perhaps a surplus 
sufficient to supply the clothing and groceries needed for his family. Although the 
butchers arc offering excellent prices for calves for the purpose of veal, our graziers 
will find it far more profitable not to dispose of them for that purpose, as they will 
pay a far more remunerative price at four years old. 

The area of this county is 925 square miles. It is attached to the Seventeenth 
Judicial District, of which Edward Vontress is the District Judge and R. T. 
Posey District Attorney. The sessions of the District Court commence on the 
sixth Monday after the first Monday in March and September, being the 12th day 
of April and the 18th day of October, 1858, and the 13th day of April and the 17th 
day of October, 1859. 

This county derives its name from the San Saba River, which took its name from 
a saint in the Spanish calendar. The Colorado River, which forms the northern and 
eastern boundary-line of this county, makes a peculiar and fertile bend, called 
Schleicher's Bend, owned by Gustavus Schleicher, Esq., of San Antonio. Near 
this bend is situated Fisher's Falls, where the water falls nearly sixtj' feet perpen- 
dicularly, — a beautiful sight and well worthy of a visit. 

THE GREAT COLORADO SULPHUR SPRING 

Is situated on the southwestern bank of the Colorado River, about seventy-five 
miles above the city of Austin, in this county. It boils out, as it were, from be- 



258 SAN SABA COUNTY. 

neath a variegated marble cliff, which is about thirty feet high, and gwshes forth 
with such force that ic rises some six inches above the common level of the clear 
deep pool which it forms at the head of the creek, — from which, after running at a 
very rapid rate for a distance of about one hundred yards, it enters the Colorado 
River. The bed of this stream, which is about three yards wide, is thickly lined 
with a snow-white sediment. The water is as clear as crystal, and the escaping 
gas gives it a most beautiful, sparkling, silvery appearance. The water is cool, 
and, although strongly impregnated with sulphur and other valuable medicinal 
agents, is very palatable, and can be drunk by the most fastidiously delicate in large 
quantities. 

This spring has not yet been properly analyzed, but the extraordinary cures which 
have resulted from the use of it are rapidly bringing it into notice as one of the 
most remarkable places in the South. So strongly is it impregnated with sulphur 
that the olfactory nerves will detect it at least a mile from the spring, which is as 
yet in its primitive state. No improvements surround its limpid waters ; but it is 
destined, sooner or later, to be one of the resting-places where the sick and afflicted, 
the gay and fashionable, will meet to spend their summers and reap the benefit 
of its superior properties. 

Why should not this be the case ? The Colorado River, some two hundred yards 
wide, flows rapidly by it. The mountains, capped with their evergreen cedars, 
almost surround it; while at their base are to be found rich vallej's covered with a 
luxuriant greensward. 

The salubrious and health-restoring atmosphere which is enjoyed at this point 
will ever commend it to the valetudinarian and the seeker of pleasure. Near the 
spring are to be found some magnificent waterfalls, of extraordinary beauty, which 
afford splendid bathing-places. To the sportsman it furnishes a few buffalo, 
plenty of wild cattle, Mexican hogs, bear, deer, turkey, fish, and wild honey in great 
abundance. Near this spot are flourishing settlements of fine farms located on 
lands of excellent quality; and we doubt not that ere long this choice spot will 
become the great watering-place of the South, with a reputation fully equal to 
that of Saratoga or Baden-Baden. 

All that is necessary to make this a valuable summer watering-place, and to 
found an extensive water-cure establishment, is that a man of energy and enterprise 
should avail himself of the materials so plentifully provided by the bountiful hand 
of nature. 

It must be kept in mind that one cause of the Northern watering-places not 
realizing to their owners the immense fortunes, they would otherwise is the extreme 
shortness of " the season," which does not last longer than two months, while in 
our climate " the season" would commence by the 1st of April, and would not close 
before the 15th of October, — six months and a half. 

Take San Saba county all in all, it is a county well worthy of a visit from the 
farmer, grazier or man of leisure, as no one can view it with unprejudiced eyes 
and not be delighted with it. 



TRAVIS COUNTY. 259 

TRAVIS COUNTY. 

Travis county derives its name from C'uloneL Travis, one of the heroes of our 
Revolution, a biographical sketch of whose life we hope to be able to introduce in 
our second edition. In the mean time, so as to give our readers an insight into the 
character of this great man, we insert a copy of his letter while in a most danger- 
ous position, which is truly characteristic of his noble nature. The following ad- 
dress of Travis to the Texians in this emergency is worthy of Leonidas : — 

" CoMsr.vxDANCY OP THE Alajio, Bexar, February 24, 1835. 

" Fellow-Citizens and Compatriots : — I am besieged by a thousand or more of 
the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continued bombardment for 
twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a sur- 
render at discretion ; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword, if the place 
is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon-shot, and our flag still 
waves proudly from the walls. I shall nkveu surrender or retreat. Then I 
call on you, in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and of every thing dear to the 
American character, to come to our aid with all despatch. The enemy are receiv- 
ing reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand ia 
four or five days. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain 
myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to 
his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death ! 

" W. Barret Travis, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding." 

This county was created out of a portion of Bastrop, on the 25th of January, 1840. 
Austin is the capital. It is included within the limits of the Second Judicial 
District, of which A. W. Terrill is Judge and George W. Jones District Attorney. 
The sessions of the District Court commence on the seventh Monday after the first 
Monday in April and October, being the 21.th day of May and 22d day of Novem- 
ber, 1858, and the 23d day of May and 21st day of October, 1859. The Notaries 
Public are Peter B. Lowe, N. C. Raymond, Joseph Martin, K. Ryan and 
Phiucas De Cordova, The area of the county proper is 1000 square miles; be- 
sides which, there is a large region of country attached thereto, known now as 
Travis county, that will bo divided into several new counties. 

The institution for the education of the blind was established by an act of the 
Legislature on the 16th of August, 1856, and was established at the city of Austin, 
the Metropolis of Texas; and, besides a liberal endowment of land, which was 
admirably located, thanks to the foresight and independence of Governor Pease, 
by Robert Crouzbaur, Esq., on the waters of the Clear Fork of the Brazos, 
there was an appropriation of ten thousand in cash. This institution has been 
located about three-quarters of a mile north of the State Capitol, on a beautiful airy 
situation, and is under the direct supervision of five trustees, who are appointed by 
the Governor. The Board now consists of John Caldwell, S. M. Swenson, George 
W. Paschal, R. J. Towns and the Rev. John W. Philips, and went into active 
operation on the 1st of December, 1856, and the institution is now prepared to afiford 
the blind children of Texas an opportunity of obtaining a thorough, practical and 
finished education. The Superintendent is Dr. S. W. Baker, and the matron is his 
wife, Mrs. Jane Baker. The principal teacher is Wm. Otii. 



260 TRAVIS COUNTY. 

Travis county is situated near the 30th degree of latitude, and is about the centre 
of the State of Texas. Its elevation above the oce.an is estimated at between 
five and six hundred feet. The climate is temperate, and the south breeze blows 
over the prairies during the whole summer season. The sky is peculiarly bright, 
and a chain of high hills skirt the distant northwest, adding much to the beauty 
of the scenery. On all sides you can behold green sloping hills, studded with 
groups of trees, on which, half hidden in bowers of wild shrubs and flowers, are 
many of the residences of her citizens. A native charm attaches itself to the 
scenery of Austin which enraptures the feelings of every traveller. During the 
past few years, several of her citizens have erected in the suburbs elegant private 
mansions, and buildings are constantly going up, notwithstanding the pressure of 
the times. The population of Austin is estimated at 3000, — composed chiefly 
of merchants, mechanics and professional men. They have no manufactories. 
There are about ten merchants dealing in dry-goods and groceries, sis dealing 
exclusively in groceries, three clothing-establishments, five drinking-establish- 
ments, three drug-establishments, one exchange-ofiice, three or four restaurants 
and confectionaries, and three hotels. Carpenters, saddlers, tinners, carriage 
and wagon makers, stone-masons, gunsmiths, blacksmiths, tailors, boot and 
shoe makers, <tc. compose the remainder of the business-houses. There are also 
three printing-establishments, about thirty-five practising lawyers, and fourteen 
doctors. The population is <a mixture from all sections of the Union and of many 
nations. Americans, Mexicans, French and German compose the chief part. 
There are seven churches, eight schools and four Sunday-schools. 

The Capitol is situated on a slight elevation, and commands a fine view of the 
city and surrounding country. It stands at the head of Congress Avenue, upon 
which is the main portion of the business-houses of Austin. This avenue 
terminates on the bank of the Colorado. On the right of the Capitol is the Gover- 
nor's residence, and on the left the new Land Office, while in the rear of the Capi- 
tol are the Treasury and old Land-Office buildings. Here also is the Austin 
Literary and Library Association, which is destined to be of immense advantage 
to the rising generation. Lands in the immediate vicinity of Austin command 
from forty to two hundred dollars per acre. 

The places of worship in Austin are as follows : 
Roman Catholic Chapel : there is no stationed preacher, and service is held only 

occasionally. 
Protestant Episcopal : there are two churches, viz. : Church of the Epiphany, 
under charge of the Rev. E. Fontaine ; Christ Church, under charge of the 
Rev. Charles Gillett. 
Methodist Episcopal : under charge of the Rev. James AV. Sbipman. 
Baptist : under charge of the Rev. Mr. Taliaferro. 
CampbelLite Baptist, or Christian : the Rev. Messrs. McCall, Thomas and Car- 

rington officiate hero. 
Presbyterian, Old School : Rev. Wm. M. Baker. 
Presbyterian, Cumberland : Rev. Mr. Chrisman, Pastor. 



TRAVIS COUNTY. 261 

All the above have regular places of worship especially erected for that purpose, 
except the congregation of Christ Church, which for the present uses the court- 
house. There are two .Protestant Methodist Episcopal, one Campbellite Baptist, one 
Old-School Presbyterian and one Baptist Sunday-school. 

The Colorado forms the principal valley of land in the county. It is free from 
pestilential swamps, and the water is clear and flows swiftly over its bed. Large 
bodies of timber are found in the bottoms, comprising pecan, cottonwood, elm, 
&c. On the hills the cedar grows in great abundance. The largest bodies of fine 
lands are found in the middle and lower portion of the county. Cotton has been 
successfully raised, — the land frequently yielding from a bale to a bale and a half 
an acre. Some of the planters in the valley own over fifty negroes. Generally 
the force is between eight and ten hands. 

Webberville is situated on the south bank of the Colorado River, on the league 
of laud known as Webber's headright, sixteen miles from the city of Austin, and 
fifteen miles from the town of Bastrop. The valley in which this town is situated 
comprises an area of about 4000 acres of as fine, rich land as is to be found in the 
State, and, backed as it is by a crescent of hills, gives this portion of the county a 
most beautiful and picturesque appearance. Among these hills are to be found 
some very fine springs contiguous to beautiful building-sites, with a sufiicieney of 
verj' rich land to make a small farm ; and, although the growth of timber on 
them is somewhat scrubby, yet they are covered with fine curly mezquite grass, 
which afi'ords admirable pasturage. The soil of the valley -lands is of a dark 
chocolate-color, from eight to ten feet deep, and uncommonly rich, — as is evidenced 
by the large yields that have yearly been obtained. The average corn-crop has been 
between fifty and sixty bushels per acre, and two thousand pounds of seed-cotton 
is no uncommon crop ; yet these figures do not show the actual productiveness of 
this soil, for the farmers who have settled upon this prairie do not do either them- 
selves or their lands justice, since, unhappily, they have the same fault that almost 
all Texas farmers are cursed with. They arc too anxious to put as many acres as 
they can under what they are pleased to call cultivation, — forgetful of the old adage 
that one acre properly cultivated will produce more clear profit than two acres 
negligently attended to. In the first place, the raw prairie is attempted to be 
broken up with a single pair of horses, or at best a yoke of oxen, and consequently 
but imperfectly turned over, and very seldom harrowed ; then the attention after- 
ward bestowed on the growing crop is so limited that in any other country but 
Texas it would be extraordinary if it yielded any return. But so it is with us: the 
astonishing fertility of the soil makes ample amends for the negligence of its cul- 
tivators. Wheat and tobacco succeed admirably, the former yielding an average 
of from twenty-five to thirty bushels per acre, the latter producing an article 
which, when properly prepared and manufactured into cigars, would often deceive 
the admirers of a fragrant real Havana. Oats do not do quite so well here, the soil 
being too rich. 

The town of Webberville was laid off by J. G. Banks, Esq., the proprietor, in 



262 ' TRAVIS COUNTY. 

1851, and is steadily and rapidly improving. Here are established a Masonic 
Lodge, school-house, church, &c. This place is destined to be of considerable 
importance, as it is peculiarly situated, and backed by a rich country which is 
admirably calculated for small farmers. It has been computed that, taking 
Webberville as the centre, within the limits of ten miles eight hundred farmers 
could settle in such a manner as to give each settler a reasonable front on a water- 
course, having all the advantages of timber, soil, &c. Already have the lands in 
this section of country advanced to from ten to fifty dollars per acre. This is 
attributable to the wise policy of the land-owners, who, to accommodate purchasers, 
are ready to sell tracts of twenty acres and upward ; part of the purchase- 
money can remain on bond and mortgage, thus enabling many men who could not 
otherwise purchase to earn the money by their labor out of the lands thus 
purchased. 

In the northwestern part of Travis is the Perdenales River. Its banks in the 
tipper portion are low, but on the lower part of the stream they appear like im- 
mense piles of rocks and are steep and precipitous. Some of the finest landscapes in 
mountain-scenery are to be found in the Perdenales Valley. It contains a thrifty 
population of small farmers and stock-raisers. Cattle increase very rapidly, and 
the owners every year make a considerable addition to their fortunes. Budies of 
land of excellent quality are found on the Perdenales and its tributaries; but they 
are small in extent. Lands may be bought at from one to five dollars per acre. 
Onion Creek empties into the Colorado in the southwestern part of the county. In 
the upper part there are fine mill-seats and a good range for stock. In the lower 
part the bodies of land are large and yield abundant crops of corn and cotton. 
Improved lands are assessed at from ten to twenty dollars per acre. Finely- 
selected farms are worth from twenty to thirty dollars per acre. Several creeks 
empty into Onion, among which are Williamson, Slaughter and Bear Creeks. 

Barton's Creek empties into the Colorado on the west side, near Austin. At a 
little distance from its mouth, near the residence of Mr. McGill, are some very large 
springs, somewhat similar to those at Huntsville, Alabama. The water is pure and 
cold, and, lending its temperature to the stream, it is a favorite resort for bathing 
in summer. Mr. McGill has lately erected a grist-mill, and there is water-power 
for much other machinery besides. The country on this creek presents an ex- 
tensive range of cedar hills and is much broken. 

Cedar Creek empties into the Colorado in Bastrop county. Some of the richest 
land in the county is found upon it, and it is rapidly filling up with settlers. 

Walnut Creek flows through the northern part of Travis and furnishes a large 
and valuable body of land for agricultural purposes. Its planters are among our 
most substantial citizens. Lands from five to eight miles from Austin are assessed 
at from eight to ten dollars per acre. 

South of Walnut is Gilleland's Creek, another valley of fine laud, and next is 
Wilbarger's, whei'e many large farms are situated. Lauds on both of these creeks 
at a distance of from ten to fifteen miles from Austin are assessed at from five to 
twelve dollars per acre. 



TRAVIS COUNTY. 263 

Wild lands may be purchased at very low rates. The cost of improvements 
is a serious item; but when a cedar fence is once put round a plantation it will need 
but little repair for many years. With vast prairies, we have also cedar lands at 
intervals seldom exceeding five miles, and these can be purchased at a small 
price. The planter finds a cedar lot of indispensable value, from the abundant ma- 
terial for improvements with which it furnishes him. 

Travis county has a number of streams and a varied surface. In one section 
stock can be raised to an unlimited extent, and in another corn, wheat and cotton. 
The rugged mountain, the wide-spreading prairie, and the fertile valley, all lend 
their attractions to the scenery. 

The society of Travis is excellent. Liberal and enlightened men from all parts 
of the Union and from Europe are here, lending to social life the experience of 
their varied lives and characters. Owing to the newness of the country, there are 
few wealthy men, and the distinctions which are created by money do not exist. 
All are on a level, and he who acts his part best is the most respected, whether 
he be poor or rich. 

Jon\ L. Blinn, of Austin, has recently obtained a patent for a new mode of ad- 
justing tires on wheels of vehicles of all kinds, which is destined to be of 
great service, particularly in portions of the country where blacksmiths' shops 
are few and far between. The following is a description of his invention. It con- 
sists in making the tire so as to present at one point two parallel faces, which are 
joined and held together by a dowell and screw, and form a close joint: between 
this joint are placed a number of movable slips or wedges. When it is desired to 
tighten the tire or spokes, all that is to be done is to loosen the screw, remove cue 
or more of the wedges, replace the screw and turn the same until the space occupied 
by the slips is closed and the tire is shrunk, the same as if done b}' the ordinary 
mode in a blacksmith's shop. The inventor is a citizen of this county. 

They are now boring two Artesian wells in the city of Austin, — one by the Stato 
Government, the other by individual enterprise. Should they succeed in obtain- 
ing a sufficient supply' of water at a reasonable depth, these will be the forerun- 
ners of a large number of others. 

There are three newspapers published at the city of Austin. At the commence- 
ment of the present session the proprietors of the State Gazette were chosen 
State Printer. Of this excellent Democratic paper and its editor we have already 
spoken. Of the Soctherx Intelligencer we need say no more than that it is 
edited by that sterling Democrat, George W. Paschal, Esq., one of the most 
able eounscllors-at-law at the Texian Bar, in a manner creditable to his acknow- 
ledged ability ; while the typographicai appearance of this sheet betokens that the 
young and enterprising proprietors of this paper, Messrs. Baker & Root, are prac- 
tical printers. This paper has done immense service in disseminating sound Demo- 
cratic principles. The Austin Sentinel advocates the cause of the Know-Xothing 
party, and performed the Herculean task of advocating its principles during the 
late contest in such a manner as plainly shows that Fenton M. Gibson and his 
associates are men of industry and talent. 



264 



TRAVIS COUNTY. 



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268 BEXAR COUNTY. 

BEXAR COUNTY. 

Not only of Bexar county, but also of Western Texas, San Antonio cle Bexar, of 
historical renown, is the principal city. It is situated in a lovely valley, and is 
healthy and pleasant. . It is the head-quarters of the Southern Division of the U. 
S. Army, and contains a population of about 10,000. The city is built on the San 
Antonio River, and is about four miles from its head-springs. The river, running 
swiftly in a pure transparent stream, winds through the town in a romantic and 
beautiful manner, in shape somewhat resembling the letter S. The San Pedro 
Creek also runs through a portion of the town. Possessing unlimited water-power, 
and the most ample materials for building-purposes, San Antonio has peculiar 
facilities for woollen and other factories. The salubrity of the climate is proverbial, 
while the surrounding country is remarkably fertile and capable of producing sup- 
plies for an immense population. San Antonio is the commercial depot for the 
country beyond the Rio Grande, and it is probable that before long she will become 
one of the greatest manufacturing-cities in the South. As regards society, the 
stranger will be diificult to please who is dissatisfied with what is recognised as such 
here. It is true that there is an utter absence of any thing akin to the haughty 
exclusiveness of upper-tendom, but there is no lack of that refinement and social 
elegance which constitute the principal charm of good society the world over. 

That this is a place of considerable business is proved by the fact that many 
of the store-keepers have accumulated handsome fortunes. Their stores and 
private residences are, in several instances, magnificent, and generally they possess 
an amount of goods which, for value, quality and quantity, it would be difficult to 
surpass in any city of the same size in the Union. Dwelling-houses rent at from 
$15 to $35 per month ; stores at from $40 to $100 for the same term. Position, 
and other circumstances, of course, regulate the amount of rent demanded. Eligible 
building-sites can be procured in and around the city at prices varying also 
according to locality. Lots within half a mile of the centre of the town average, 
at cash prices, from $200 to $2000. 

San Antonio possesses four churches, — two Roman Catholic, a Presbyterian and 
a Methodist; a free school, a college and two private schools; two institutions for 
the education of young ladies, and a music-hall, in which concerts are given, and, 
occasionally, theatrical performances. The markets are at all seasons well provided 
with meats and an .abundance of fish of different kinds. 

The land in the immediate vicinity of the town is prairie of excellent quality ; 
while at easy distances, and in dift'erent directions, land of the finest kind, well 
watered and timbered, can be procured at prices ranging from $4 to $10 per acre. 
City property has quadrupled its value within the last few years; and, as the town is 
rapidly increasing in wealth and population, a further and very large increase may 
naturally be expected. Besides, San Antonio will be the western terminus of the 
Gulf Railroad, connecting with Lavaca, the nearest seaport. The distance between 
these places is 128 miles, and the communication is kept up at present by a daily 



BEXAR, COUNTY. 269 

lino of stages. The immcn.sc increase in the value of property caused by rail- 
roads is well known, and the want of these facilities is the greatest drawback 
atTecting San Antonio; but it is confidently hoped that this desideratum will be 
supplied at no distant day by the completion of the Gulf Railroad now in progress. 

Negroes command a good price— women, from $12 to $20, men, from $20 to 
$."50 per month — and hire readily. Labor is high; and it would consequently bo 
advantageous to families possessing negroes to bring them. Attempts at escape by 
slaves from San Antonio and the neighborhood are very rare indeed. 

All who have ever visited this portion of AYestcrn Texas concur in ascribing to 
it beauties unsurpassed, and many scruple not to affirm that the sun never shone 
upon a lovelier land. Assuredly it is no exaggeration to assert that AVestern Texas, 
(indeed, the whole State) is eminently favored by nature in this county. 

The first stream west of San Antonio is the Leon Creek. The land is a fine 
rolling prairie with rich black soil. Next in order come the Medio, Petranco, San 
Lucas and Sau/,. On these streams the land is all much of the same character, 
rich mezquite valley and slightly rolling prairie. Until the Medina is reached the 
country is sparsely timbered, but thence, westward to the Hondo, there is no scar- 
city. The Medina, one of the most beautiful rivers in Texas, is a clear, rapid 
stream, and affords ample advantages for mill-seats. It will doubtless at no very 
distant day be occupied by cotton and woollen factories and flour-mills. From the 
Jledina to the Hondo the soil is rich weed and mezquite prairie pretty fairly 
timbered up to the mountains, which are covered with cedar, and send clear crystal 
waters gushing from them at different points to feed the different streams we have 
named. Next, the Sabiual, Frio and Leona, all eminently beautiful streams, clear 
and transparent as the San Antonio, and, like the river, fed by springs; the land, 
rich mezquite flats and valleys, with good mezquite timber. The Sabinal has also 
some cedar, and the Leona possesses excellent water-power, with occasional falls. 
The valleys are from eight to ten miles broad, and are well filled with the best 
quality of rich mezquite timber, with elm, pecan, hackbcrry, Ac. in the bottoms. 
From the Leona to the Nueces it is a fine level countrj', pretty heavily timbered 
and rich bodies of land. The Nueces is similar in chai-acter to the Medina and 
other streams. The lofty mountains, broad expansive prairies and transparent 
water delightfully vary the scenery and render this section peculiarly inviting 
to settlers. Its capabilities can hardly be overestimated. With a genial climate 
and a soil of almost inexhaustible fertility, it would be difficult to say what can- 
not be produced. Cotton in larger quantities to the acre and finer in quality (it 
is said) than in the other States can be successfully cultivated. It is claimed 
also that sugar can be produced with equal facility with cotton, or even greater. 
Tobacco of excellent quality is grown. Experiments have been made with 
wheat and barley, which met with the greatest success; but in the whole State no 
grain has hitherto been produced so extensively as at all times to supply the 
demand. Corn can be raised in unlimited quantity, and parties who have devoted 
their attention to this branch of agriculture have made it very profitable, rruiti 



670 BEXAR COUNTY. 

in great variety abound. Grapes grow spontaneously, and most delicious to the 
taste. Wine of excellent quality is made from the mustang grape ; and it has been 
stated on good authority that the vine can be as successfully cultivated here as in 
France. Deer and other wild game are found in great abundance. The whole of 
the country which we have been describing is well adapted for grazing: indeed, 
there is none better to be found in the United States. 

That portion of territory attached to Bexar county which is not comprised within 
the limits of the county proper may be regarded as a prairie-country, although 
the banks of almost every stream are skirted with timber, while on the ranges are to 
be found the majestic live-oak, the serviceable post oak, and the durable mezquite. 
To the admirers of the sublime and beautiful the head-waters of the Colorado River 
present scenery which might challenge the world for a rival : not even Italy herself 
can rival the magnificence of a Texian landscape, especially when viewed by sun- 
rise or illuminated by a gorgeous sunset. As we have travelled over this portion 
of the State, we have often wondered that the peculiar beauties of these landscapes 
have not attracted the attention of some enthusiastic artist, who would be willing to 
submit to the privations of a frontier life for a short time, whereby he would be 
enabled to fill his portfolio with gems of real interest, which, when compared with 
the flat, stale and improbable subjects universally to be found on sale or at public 
exhibitions, would sink them into insignificance. Let them but try the experiment, 
and prairie scenery, in the hands of the skilful, will become valued ornaments 
in the galleries of the connoisseur. There is no lack of variety ; for scenes can be 
found requiring the most gorgeous colors to depict, while there are others where 
the tints, the lights and the shades are blended in every conceivable variety, and 
only require the artist to make a judicious selection of the subject. Should an 
artist of ability visit this fairy-land, he would be able to convey, through the 
medium of his pencil, a just idea of the beauties of nature, which cannot be por- 
trayed by an ordinary pen. 

Every person that has visited this section of our State has been delighted with 
the balmy and salubrious atmosphere, which produces an elasticity of spirit seldom 
to be found in other less favored regions of country. The thermometer rarely 
rises above 85 degrees, and even when at this height the heat is mitigated by the 
refreshing southern breezes, while the cool and comfortable temperature of the 
nights induces refreshing slumbers, which restore to the exhausted frame life, 
elasticity and energy, — thereby enabling it to bear the heat of the succeeding day. 
Thus, to those who have been used to the sweltering and enervating summer 
nights of the North, it must be a most agreeable change. During the winter season 
the weather is ,eold, but not severely so, except during the prevalence of the 
northers, wh;.ch generally exhaust themselves on the third day. These winds pre- 
vail at intervals from November to March. The primary cause of the salubrity 
of the climate is attributable to these winds through the winter season, and to those 
from the south during the summer season, as by their aid the atmosphere becomes 



BEXAR COUNTY. 271 

purificil. The total absence of swamps, marshes and stagnant pools, the fine 
prairies and oak-openings, which admit the free circulation of air, must render this 
section of the country free from the debilitating fever and ague, the bilious fever, 
and kindred diseases so common and so dreaded in the Southern and AVestern 
States. 

The streams abound in fine fish, and the disciples of old Isaac Walton will find 
ample opportunity of exercising their skill ; and he who has once tasted a dish of 
mountain-trout will bo sure again and again to try his skill whenever an 
opportunity offers. Another delicacy to be found in great abundance is the soft- 
shelled turtle, which, when prepared " a la mode de Corwin," is truly delicious. 

In the Llano and Concho Rivers are to be found large quantities of muscles 
from which a vast amount of pearls can be obtained, which, although of small 
size, arc beginning to attract attention. 

To the west of the head-waters of the Concho and Colorado Rivers is the Llako 
EsTACADO, or Staked Plain, said to be the most elevated table-land to be found 
on the continent of America. This plain is situated between the 32d and 36th 
degrees of north latitude, and is estimated to measure at its widest point about two 
HUNDRED MILES, without a tree or a running stream throughout its whole extent, 
and covered with a rich coat of buffalo clover. 

Mary years ago the Mexicans staked a road across these plains for the accom- 
modation of travellers. Those who feel a particular interest in a further descrip- 
tion of the Llano Estacado will find the same in the report of Captain Gray to the 
Southern Pacific Railroad Company, on page 40 of this book. 

There is but little doubt in the minds of those who have examined the subject, 
that, when the great national railroad to the Pacific is built, it must pass 
through the whole extent of the State of Texas, as it has already, despite of sec- 
tional prejudices, been conceded by the master-spirits of the age that this is 
the only practicable route which can be relied upon for uninterrupted travel at every 
season of the yeai", — which would not be the case on the projected northern and 
middle routes. Not only is the route through Texas (which will, per necessity, pass 
through this region of country) deemed the best for the above reason, but there are 
other weighty considerations that must induce all unprejudiced persons to favorably 
consider this route : one of these is, that the length of the road will be less than 
that by any other route, and at the same time the cost of its construction will 
be much less, and it will not pass through the Mormon country. 

Within the limits of the territory attached to Bexar county, which ere long, from 
the influx of population, will require to be laid off by successive Legislatures into new 
counties, is that delightful region situated ou the head-waters of the noble 
Colorado River, one of the most important branches of which is the Concho 
River. Although this branch is not one of the longest tributaries of that river, 
it may be regarded as one of the most important, because it waters a scope of 
country proverbial for its rich and extensive valleys, which at no distajit day will 



272 BEXAR COUNTY. 

unquestionably be niucli sought after by both the farmer and the grazier, since 
it possesses, in a pre-eminent degree, all the attributes necessary for the suc- 
cessful prosecution of both those important branches of business. The climate 
is really delightful and salubrious. The water runs over a gravelly or rocky bed, 
is pure and wholesome, and free from mineral taint or vegetable impurities. The 
soil is a fine, rich, sandy loam of great depth, resting upon a clay foundation, 
is just suflBciently rolling to allow the superabundant rain to run off without 
washing, and can be easily broken up by proper ploughs. The excellent quality 
and abundance of stone for building and fencing purposes must render this country, 
as soon as known, particularly attractive to settlers, — especially to that class who 
are satisfied with farms of moderate dimensions. On the waters of this stream there 
are beautiful vallej's covered not only with mezquite grass but with fine mezquite 
TIMBER ; and, presuming that few of our readers, out of the State of Texas, are 
acquainted with this valuable timber, we make the following interesting extract 
from an anonymous contribution to that valuable neutral newspaper, 

THE GALVESTON NEWS, 

Published at Galveston City by D. Richardson & Co., — a newspaper that has met 
with a well-merited share of success, in consequence, no doubt, of the ability with 
which it is edited, and the large number of regular and talented contributors who 
enrich its columns. 

THE MEZQUITE-TREE. 

This celebrated tree flourishes abundantly and attains its greatest size in Western 
Texas. It is a species of acacia or gum arable tree, and differs but slightly from 
the tree which yields the gum arable of commerce. It is small and shrubby, gene- 
rally parting at the ground into several stems ; seldom more than six inches in 
diameter, though on the banks of streams and in favorable situations it sometimes 
attains a height of thirty feet and a diameter of eighteen or twenty inches. The 
trunk is crooked, and covered with a rough, gray bark ; the smaller branches are 
very crooked and thorny, and have a smooth, reddish bark. The leaves are alter- 
nate, bipinnate, with one pair of pinnae, furnished each with ten pair of leaflets ; 
the leaflets are very small, oblong-linear, smooth, supported on very short footstalks, 
and of a pale green color. The flowers are yellow, inodorous, small and collected 
in globular heads, supported upon slender peduncles which rise from the axils of 
the leaves singly. The fruit is a smooth flat pod, usually eight inches in length 
and containing twenty seeds. A gum exudes from the trunk and other branches 
of the tree, differing in no essential respect from gum arable. It is very soluble in 
water, and forms, when dissolved, an eraulcient of a sweet, creamy and agreeable 
taste, but souring more readily and probably containing a larger proportion of 
tannic and gallic acid than gum arabie. The root extends only a little way near 
the surface of the earth, but runs down, where the soil permits, to an astonishing 
depth, — sometimes more than a hundred feet. It is this which enables it to thrive 



BEXAR COUNTY. 273 

in the rai<lst of deserts where scarcely any other vegetation lives, and which, if it 
were not for this friendly tree, would be untenantable to beast or bird. 

The mezquite answers many purposes. The seeds, which are produced in great 
abundance, are very nutritious and eminently serviceable to all animals which feed 
on herbs and seeds, whether wild or tame. Their value is lessened by the difficulty 
of preserving them, as they arc speedilj' devoured by worms after ripening. The 
wood is of a brown-red color, very strong and light, and susceptible of a high polish : 
hence its great excellence for cabinet-work. The diminutive size of the tree, how- 
ever, prevents it from being extensively used for making furniture. It is used to 
the exclusion of every other wood for making wagon hubs and spokes, and is 
highly spoken of, by shipwrights, for making the ribs and knees of small vessels. 
In durability it exceeds almost any other wood in use. Not only does it outlast 
all memory, but it is found sound in old walls, where it has been used for lintels 
and ties and exposed to the weather for centuries, and it is found buried and in 
peculiar situations, half exposed, in formations of earth of incalculable antiquity. 

On the northern plains of Texas the huge roots of the mezquite seem to endure 
almost perpetually. Every few steps they appear at the surface, sometimes par- 
tially green, and supporting a few switched, which are annually destroyed by burn- 
ing the prairie, but generally drj- and charred by the fii-e which had consumed the 
forest and has annuall}' swept over them for ages. Upon digging they are found 
to extend laterally but a short distance, but have a main root running down indefi- 
nitely. The Staked Plain is almost entirely covered with this subterranean forest, 
from which travellers supply themselves with an abundance of fuel. From its great 
durability the mezquite is preferred to any thing else for fencing, for which purpose 
it is set in the manner of pickets. Sometimes two rows of posts are set two or three 
feet apart and filled between with thorny brush. The younger branches are not 
durable, but decay when exposed to the action of the weather; hence the brush 
fences settle, and require to be renewed annually with a laj-er of brush on the top, 
thus becoming, in course of time, so compact as to be impenetrable. There are 
fences of this description in Mexico more than a hundred j'ears old, and so strong 
and dense that they have been found seriously to impede the movements of an 
army. 

For fuel the mezquite is unsurpassed : no accurate measure of its capacity for 
generating heat is known to have been made, but it is unauimously pronounced, by 
those who have used it, to give out more heat and burn for a longer time than any 
other wood. From this quality perhaps it derives its chief value, for it flourishes 
most in prairie-countries which are not furnished with other wood. Though it is 
a stunted and shrubby growth, yet from the many excellent purposes which it 
answers it supplies the place of the more heavily timbered forests of other coun- 
tries. The growth of the tree is generally slow, though in favorable situations it is 
quite as rapid as any forest-tree we have. Respecting the average ago of the tree 
there is perhaps no information, but it certainly attains more than a century. 

It extends over all portions of Mexico, north of the tropic, and from the Gulf of 

12* 



274 PASES COUNTY. 

Mexico and the head-waters of the Canadian, Arkansas and Red Rivers to the 
Paciflc Ocean. High up on the mountains, among the cold deep snows of the 
North, and in the hot valleys near the tropics unknown to frost, on tlie fertile 
banks of rivers, and on the arid waters of the desert, in every kind of soil and 
climate, it spreads its sweet and fragrant leaves, supplying many of the wants of 
the inhabitants. 

— -•-s-s#®#s-»*- — 

LAMPASES COUNTY 

Is justly celebrated for its salt and sulphur springs, the existence of which has 
only become generally known within the last few years. There is no doubt that 
a geological survey of this county will develop important results. At present we 
shall only notice these two important features of this thriving countj'. 
SWENSON & SWISHER'S SALT-AVORKS. 

These works are situated on Salt Creek, an eastern tributary of the Colorado 
River, about 80 miles from Austin. There is a good road leading to them. The 
arrangements for boiling are quite extensive for a beginning: eighteen kettles and 
a large pan are now set and in operation. This establishment is under the super- 
intendence of W. B. Burdett, Esq., and they are making SIXTY bushels a daj', 
which sell readily at the works for one dollar per bushel. It is supposed that as 
fast as the demand increases a sufficiency of water can be obtained, by boring, to 
meet such demand, no matter how great. There is no doubt of the success of 
this undartaking, thus forming an additional evidence that we ought to have a ' 
geological survey of Texas made at an early period, for there is not the shadow 
of a doubt that our State is rich in hidden wealth that requires only the aid of 
science to develop. A few such enterprising firms as Sweuson & Swisher will 
do much to awaken our Legislators from their lethargy and arouse them to the 
necessity of making a liberal appropriation for a thorough exploration of our 
State. 

ANALYSIS OF THE WATER OF THE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

The following is the result of an analj'sis of the springs situated in this county, 
made by Dr. Clinton Baker, of the city of Austin. 

Hancock's, or the Great Boiling Spring, contains in one pint — 

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, 2J cubic inches. 

Carbonic acid, undetermined, but more than any of the others. 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Common salt, 7 grains. 

Carbonate of lime, ......... 2 " 

Carbonate of magnesia, . . . . . . . . 2 " 

There are several other springs immediately above and below this, all possessino' 
the same properties in a greater or less degree. 

The spring called Chalybeate, which is about one hundred yards above the Boil- 
ing Spring, contains no iron, or, if any, but a trace. The red deposit which may bo 



LAMPASES COUNTY. 275 

seen is probably a calcareous earth and oxiilo of iron : but there is not sufficient car- 
bonic acid in the water to hold any appreciable amount of it in solution. This spring 
is said to have changed materially within twelve months. 

Scott's Spring, which is about a mile below the Boiling Spring, contains in one 
pint — 

OASEOIS CONTENTS. 

Sulphuretted hj'drogen, 4 cubic inches. 
Carbonic acid, undetermined. 

SOLID CONTENTS. 

Common salt, 32 grains. 

Carbonate of lime, ........ 3 " 

Carbonate of magnesia, 3 " 

The temperature of these springs was not ascertained, but it is pretty nearly the 
same in all, and probably GS or 70 degrees of Fahrenheit. 

From the above anal\-sis it is evident that the Lampases Springs possess in an 
eminent degree the properties ascribed to sulphurous waters, and they will doubt- 
less, and deservedly, come into notice as an agreeable and beneficial watering- 
place. The facilities for ascertaining the e.\act amount of uncombiued acid in the 
water were not at hand. 

In Bingham's District, on the waters of the Colorado, Fisher & Miller's Colony, 
there is another celebrated sulphur spring, which we predict will one day be the 
resort not only of the invalid but of the gay and fashionable portion of our citizens. 
The magnificent scenery in the vicinity cannot be surpassed in any portion of the 
world for romantic beauty, nor the invigorating air for its healthj' influence. 

Scott's Spring is about a mile below Hancock's. It rises in a bog, and fur- 
nishes an immense quantity of water. The reservoir is about thirteen feet and a 
half deep ; it is eight feet wide at the base, and four feet at the top. This is but a 
portion of the water which might be made available. The water of this spring 
contains both sulphur and salt. It acts upon the liver, the skin, the kidncj's and 
the bowels. The bathing is fine. 

Of the springs taken collectively much may bo said in commendation. They 
have proved highly beneficial to persons suffering from dj-spepsia, diseases of the 
skin or the liver, and in chronic bowel complaints. Several individuals have been 
cured entirely of affections of the eyes after numerous other remedies had failed. 
A family named Barcroft visited Scott's Spring in 1855. All of them were afilicted 
with sore eyes. The father, the mother and five of the children were unable to 
move about without being led. A son performed this duty. Three times a day 
ho could bo seen leading a string of blind relatives to the spring. In the course 
of a week a material improvement was experienced, and at the end of a month 
they left entirely relieved. 

E.heumatism is removed by frequent bathing and drinking the water. Where 
the system has been injured by the use of mercury, or where there is a sj'philitio 
taint in the blood, the most decided advantage has been derived from the u^e of 
the Lampases water. Tetters, old sores, barber's itch, and like affections are 
eradicated by the healing influences of the water. Certificates of various cures 



276 GUADALUPE COUNTY. 

might be obtained from individuals of undoubted veracity. The truth is only 
required to be known to place the Lampases Springs on an equality with the 
most celebrated watering-places in the world. This is written after numerous 
inquiries from disinterested individuals, and observation, and some experience 
personally, of the virtues of the water in diseased liver. 

■ — -*-£-3i-S'#-3-?-'-'^ — 

GUADALUPE COUNTY. 

Guadalupe county derives its name from " El Rio de Nuestra Senora de Gua- 
dalupe," — the River of Our Lady of Guadalupe, — a miraculous Virgin Mary in high 
standing among the Mexicans. It is bounded on the north by Hays and Comal 
counties, on the south by Bexar county, on the east by Caldwell and Gonzales 
counties, and on the west by Comal and Bexar counties. Its principal stream is 
the Guadalupe River, which meanders through the county from west to east : its 
other water-courses are York, Cottonwood, Highland, Nash's, Mill, Elm and Santa 
Clara Creeks. Its post-offices are Seguin and Bonito. The terms of the District 
Court are held on the fourth Monday after the first Monday in April and 
October, the third day of May and the first day of November, 1858, and the second 
day of May and the thirty-first day of October, 1859. The Notaries Pdblic are 
Wm. P. H. Douglass, William M. Rust, Isham V. Harris, R. Morris and Jacob De 
Cordova. 

Seguin, the county town of Guadalupe county, is situated on the east bank of the 
Guadalupe River, on a beautiful elevated prairie, the streets crossing each other 
at right angles and handsomely ornamented with fine large spreading live-oaks, 
the natural growth of the country, and highly esteemed for the excellent and 
durable character of its wood and beauty of its appearance. These live-oaks 
covered with extremely dark green leaves, standing alone or in picturesque groups 
near and far on the bright greensward, the land being slightly undulating, present 
a truly magnificent appearance. Within the corporate limits of the town there 
are several fine sjjriugs of pure water, and in its immediate vicinity several well- 
cultivated farms. The beautiful prairies which surround the town are covered 
with fine mezquite grass, which is admirably calculated to fatten horned cattle and 
horses, but is unfit for sheep, being too nutritious. Cattle that are fed on this grass 
give an uncommonly rich and finely-flavored milk, and become extremely fat. The 
mezquite is a very fine grass and is of vigorous growth, and is usually found 
growing in thick tufts and patches, and when it once takes hold it generally roots 
out all other grasses. Since Texas has commenced settling up, the growth of this 
grass has extended over a great portion of the West. Not only is it very nutritious 
and palatable, but it preserves its greenness and sweetness during the whole 
winter. 

The town of Seguin, by estimation, contains a population of about fifteen hundred. 
It supports a printing-press, and the usual supply of merchants, mechanics and pro- 
fessional men for such a population. There are five religious denominations in 



GUADALUPE COUNTY. 277 

the place, each of which has stated religious worship. The Methodist deno- 
mination is the largest, and is about erecting a fine church-edifice. For a country 
village, Seguin is not surpassed, in "Western Texas, by any other in the beauty of 
its scenery, the hcaUhfulncss of its location and the general intelligence and 
morality of its citizens. Many of the houses are built of concrete, in conscqueneo 
of the immense quantity of first-rate materials to be found upon the spot. 
These consist of gravel, lime, stone and water. The walls are raised about a 
foot or fifteen inches at a time between boards, which by the aid of screws hold 
the mass in its place until it becomes solidified, which it readily does within forty- 
eight hours and finally becomes .as hard as stone. Houses built of this material aro 
very cool in summer and warm in winter. The only skill required beyond the aid 
of common day-laborers is to keep the walls plumb and attend to the proper 
admixture of the materials. 

GUADALUPE HIGH SCHOOL, AT SEGUIX. 

The subject of establishing a High School in Seguin was first introduced by 
Captain Fountain, in the year 1850. Mr. Samuel Elliot, Mr. William H. Gordon 
and Captain Fountain were the projectors. Mr. Gordon's draft of the Constitution, 
with a few alterations and additions, was adopted. Captain Fountain then took the 
Constitution agreed upon, and commenced soliciting subscribers at $100 a share, 
limiting the number of stockholders to twenty-five. The stockholders then assumed 
the name and style of "The Guadalupe High School Association." Meeting with 
much more encouragement than they had anticipated, they soon enlarged their plans, 
and extended the number of stockholders to fifty. The first building was put in 
course of erection immediately, at the cost of between five and six thousand dollars; 
and, when completed, the school was opened under charge of Mr. Glass for the 
Male Department, and Mrs. Hill as General Superintendent. Students flocked in, 
and the number soon reached one hundred. Encouraged by this unexpected 
patronage, the association determined upon erecting another building of the same 
dimensions for the Female Department. This, being completed, was placed under 
the charge of Misses Robertson and Tabor, until, unfortunately, in the year 1854, 
the building was burnt, which caused a temporary decline in the prosperity of the 
school. B3' the liberality of the citizens, and the exertions of the stockholders, it 
was soon rebuilt, and the school resumed its ordinary course. Since then, the old 
association has been aierged into a new one, and for the last two year? the num- 
ber of pupils in both schools has amounted to about one hundred and fifty, which 
are now in a prosperous condition. 

From Dr. E. Park, who resides near Soguin, we learn that there is to be found 
in this county any quantity of the raw material, out of which hydraulic cement 
can be manufactured at an expense of not over one dollar per barrel, and of a 
quality fully equal to any imported from the North. 

The water-lime is here found, both in strong masses and in alluvial deposits, in 
the form of an earth or loam. The quantity is inexhaustible, occupying or form- 
ing the low timbered bottoms of the Guadalupe River, in beds of from one to five 
feet in tliickness, extending upon one or both sides of the river through its course 



278 BOSQUE COUNTY. 

in this county. These beds had their origin in the sources of the river, bein;; com- 
posed of the powder or detritus of true water-setting lime-rocks. The quality of 
the mortar made from this earth is pronounced, by good judges, equal to the best 
Northern cement; some who have tried both in cistern-building pronounce it 
superior. I have a cistern plastered with it, in use four years, with water in it all 
that time. I know of others that have been in use seven years that are good. I 
can exhibit specimens of concrete formed of this cement and pebble, that have 
been under water more than twelve months, that would satisfy any artisan of its 
genuine qualities, however much he might be prejudiced in favor of the Northern 
article. In this instance it was used in the construction of a stone wall for the 
support of a mill-house on the Guadalupe River near Seguin. It is unnecessary to 
detail its many important uses, and the amount of money that might be saved to 
the citizens of our State in building-material if we had ready facilities for transpor- 
tation. I may mention, that with the shells upon and in the vicinity of our coast 
country, together with sand, this cement could be mingled in mortar, and cast into 
brick of any desirable form, that would soon underrate and furnish a building- 
material cheaper than brick and in our climate as durable as granite, in or out 
of water. An analysis of this earth gives an average of 65 per cent, of carbonate 
of lime, 20 per cent, silica and sand, and 15 per cent, aluminous earth. 

The other and perhaps more important deposit is fossil or mineral coal. This 
substance in this vicinity presents a departure, as geologists would say, from what 
it generally presents in similar formations of other countries; in fact, it is a prime 
article for the forge, though a member of the lignite class of coals. Ten miles 
below the village of Seguin, in a bluff or bank of the river, near the water-line, a 
very extensive bed is being opened by Mr. P. D. Smith. At this point it is of easy 
access and lies in a horizontal bed three feet thick. 

Quality. — It contains much volatile oil ; burns with a bright flame and sooty 
smoke for a few minutes in the forge, then imparts a most intense heat to iron or 
steel in quick time; it does not agglutinate like bituminous coal, but is a liighlj'- 
mineralized specimen of brown or lignite coal. In point of economy the smiths 
say one bushel will do as much work, or give as much heat in the forge, as five 
of charcoal. It is measurably free from sulphur, and where the mechanic wishes 
to do very fine work in cast steel, a few minutes' roasting will expel that substance ; 

leaves a very small amount of ashes and other matter : in short, it promises well 
to answer all the valuable purposes of stone coal. 

The strata, or geological features, indicate an amount of this substance at other 
points in the vicinity. For the present this bed will supply the wants of the sur- 
rounding countr3'. When it becomes necessary and in demand, other beds will bo 
opened. 

BOSQUE COUNTY, 

Which was originally a portion of Milam county, is bounded on the north by 
Erath and Johnson counties, on the south by McLennan county, on the east by the 



JASPER COUNTY. 279 

irer Brazos, which separates it from Hill county, and oa the west by Coryell 
county. It contains an area of 965 square miles. This is a well-watered county ; 
for, besides the Brazos River, there is Childres' Creek, Cedron Creek, Steele's Creek, 
Mjzquite Creek, Grass Creek, Hill Creek, North Bosque River, East Bosque River, 
Dullau's Creek, Fall Creek, Honey Creek, Meridian Creek, Spring Creek, Turkey 
Creek and Mill Creek. Near the northeast corner of this county is the celebrated 
bend in the Brazos River known as Kimball's Bend. This county is situated in 
the Third Judicial District, of which R. E. B. Baylor is Judge and N. W. Battle Dis- 
trict Attorney. The sessions of the court are held on the seventh Monday after 
the second Monday in March and September, April 26 and November 1, 1858, and 
May 2 and October 31, 1859. This county derives its name from the Bosque 
River, which passes through the county : the river derives its name from the low 
and stunted growth of timber found upon its banks. The Notaries Public are Philip 
Howard, T. C. Alexander and J. K. Hilton. There is only one post-offiee in this 
county, which is at Meridian, the county seal. 

-♦S- Df-f ^^^-5-- 

WILLIAMSON COUNTy 
Was originally part of Milam county, and was created March 13, 1843. It ia 
bounded on the norlh by Bell county, on the south by Travis count}', on the east 
by Milam count}', and on the west by Burnet count}'. It contains 1106 square 
miles, and is watered by the San Gabriel River, Williamson's Creek, Berry's Creek, 
Lake Creek, Battlo-Ground Creek, Dry Creek and Brushy Creek. Its post- 
ofRces are Bagdad, Blue Hill, Georgetown, Liberty Ilill, Pond Spring, Post- 
Oak Island, Round Rock, San Gabriel. The District Court holds its sessions on the 
first Monday in March and September, March 1 and September 6, 1858, and 
March 7 and September 5, 1859, and is comprised within the limits of the Seven- 
teenth Judicial District ; E. U. Vontress is the Judge, and R. T. Posey District 
Attorney. The lands in this county are of excellent quality; but, owing to the 
number of old grants within its limits, there are many choice tracts in litigation. 
This county derived its name from R. M. Williamson, a gentleman who has done 
the State much good service. 

— -* J-3 i-l<$^. -5-*- — 

JASPER COUJMTY. 

This may bo regarded as a heavily-timbered county, there being but little prairie 
within its limits, and what little there is is of poor quality. On the timbered land, 
without manure, four hundred pounds to the acre of good ginned cotton may bo 
regarded as an average crop, although there are portions of the best land that will 
produce over five hundred pounds to the acre. On the banks of the water-courses 
is ti) be found a very heavy growth of magnolia, beech, walnut, and a variety 
of oak tiuiber; but the majority of the uplamls arc covered with pine timber. 
There are several fine farms in this county, — planters generally choosing the heavy 



280 NEWTON COUNTY. 

black lands, which, althoiigh difiScuIt to work for the first few years, when brought 
into cultivation are very fertile. Many of the farmers of this county are devoting 
their attention to the cultivation of tobacco; although both sugar and cotton, 
from past experience, are known to do well. One of her citizens, Mr. T. Ryals, it 
is said, during the last year realized over Twelve Hundued Dollars as the 
proceeds of three acres cultivated in tobacco. The region of country lying to the 
north of Jasper is justly considered poor, and will never be valuable until 
facilities are obtained to convert into lumber and transport to market the large 
amount of pine timber with which it is covered; while in the southwest corner of 
this county there is a i-egion of country, known as the thickety country, which 
is regarded as valuable land. There are several saw and grist mills already 
established on Walnut Run and Sandy Creek. Jasper, the county town, con- 
taining about four hundred inhabitants, is a thriving place, and supports seven or 
eight stores of assorted merchandise, and has a good court-house. Bevelport 
and Wise's Bluff are points that are doing a thriving business, which is yearly im- 
proving. 

— — HE^^#€-J*— 

TYLER COUNTY. 

The valley -lands of this county arc generally very rich, while much of the upland 
regarded as good, and has lately attracted a great deal of attention from immi- 
gnants, many of whom, during the last year, have settled within its limits; and 
there is a fine prospect of an increase to their number the ensuing season. The 
seat of justice is Woodville, containing about four hundred inhabitants. Town 
Bluff, situated on the west bank of the Neches River, is a place of some business- 
importance. This may be regarded as a heavily-timbered county. 

ORANGE COUNTY. 

This county may be classed as one of the medium counties with respect to the 
quality of its lands, one-half of its area being timbered, the other prairie-land. A 
region of country known as Duncan's AVoods is looked upon hj the citizens of this 
county as being the most valuable portion, and consequently lands there, although 
low enough in price, are worth more than in any other part of the county. Madison, 
the county town, is situated on the west bank of the river Sabine, about twenty 
miles from the mouth of that stream, and is rapidly improving, having in its 
immediate vicinity several steam saw-mills and shingle-machines, and, although a 
new town, numbers about six hundred inhabitants. 

NEWTON COUNTY. 

The amount of first-rate lands in this county in proportion to those of inferior 
grade is comparatively small, although the latter may yet prove valuable in 



MATAGORDA COUNTY. 281 

consequence of the heavy bodies of timber with which a portion of them i?; covered, 
provided the means shall ever be found to transport the proceeds to market. This 
may yet be done, even if they are not fortunate enough to obtain railroad-facilities, 
for the Sabine Kiver, which has a deep channel, is regarded by many as a stream 
easily made susceptible of navigation for at least five hundred miles, and a recent 
careful survey of this river has been made by the Chief Engineer of the State, 
William Fields, Esq., whose i-eport has been of the most satisfactory and cheering 
nature. As we have already observed, this is a heavily-timbered county; con- 
sequcntlj' the stock of cattle within its limits is small, as the stock-raisor gives a 
decided preference to the prairie counties that are covered with a luxuriant growth 
of grass, — although we are inclined to believe that there is a proportionate increase 
in the number of swine raised in this countj'. The seat of justice is Newtown, 
a small place, but of sufiicient public spirit to be able to boast of a respectable 
court-house. The majority of the business of this county is transacted at Burr's 
FeiTy and Belgrade. 

MATAGORDA COUNTY. 

Jlatagorda county is bounded on the north b^- Wharton count}', on the south by 
the Gulf of Mexico, on the east by Brazoria county and the Gulf of Mexico, and 
on the west by Calhoun and Jackson counties. Trcspalacios and Matagorda Bays 
are within the limits of this count}', occupying over five hundred out of the thirteen 
hundred and thirty-four square miles which is its area. The lands within the 
limits of this county are generally level, consisting mainly of rich bottom-land and 
prairie. The bottom-lands are alluvial, and are especially adapted to the cultiva- 
tion of sugarcane and cotton ; and there is no doubt that ere long a large portion 
of them will be appropriated to the raising of rice, to which purpose they appear 
peculiarly adapted. 

Within the limits of this county the Colorado River empties itself into the Gulf 
of Mexico through Matagorda Bay. The lands low down on the Colorado are 
subject to occasional overflow : therefore, notwithstanding their fertility, they are not 
at this time sought after or appreciated, but there is no donbt that the day is not far 
distant when they will be in demand. 

When speaking of uncommonly rich lands in Texas, it is the custom to compare 
them with the lands on Oi.i) Caxey, which stream heads in Wharton county and 
passes through this county, and affords the largest body of alluvial lands to be 
found in any part of Texas, and possesses the rare advantage of not being subject 
to freshets. The alluvial deposit on the Cancy Bottom will average over twenty 
feet, while there are portions nearly twice as deep, covered with immense 
forests of lofty elm, gigantic oak, splendid red cedar, and almost impenetrable cane- 
brakes. 

Peach Creek, which meanders through this county, also furnishes a body of very 
fine land, which is much sought after and commands high prices. 



282 BRAZORIA COUNTY. 

Matagorda Peninsula, lying nearly IST. E. and S.^Y., is about sixty miles in length, 
and will not average much more than one mile in width, and is settled by a number 
of small farmers and stock-raisers, — the majority of the land lying back from 
the gulf being a rich, dark, sandy soil, very easy of cultivation. This peninsula is 
often visited by invalids and others on account of its pure air, sea-bathing and 
facilities for hunting and fishing. 

During the good old days when Austin's Colony flourished, a considerable 
quantity of salt was manufactured here, as along the coast an abundance of strongly. 
impregnated salt-water, of uncommon richness, is easily obtained at an average 
depth of about eight feet. 

The town of Matagorda is the county seat, and contains from one thousand to 
one thousand five hundred inhabitants. It is proverbial for the refinement of man- 
ners, elegant displays of dress, and extreme hospitality of its citizens. The 
Hon. Albert C. Horton, one of the few who escaped at the time of Fannin's 
massacre, and who has been Lieutenant-Governor of the State, resides on 
his beautiful, extensive and highly-cultivated plantation in this county. We hope 
to be able in our second edition to give a biographical sketch of this truly high- 
toned, hospitable and enterprising gentleman. 

There is a point within this county, known on the map as Palacios, which the 
people of Matagorda county are firmly impressed will one day be a place of com- 
mercial importance. It is said that within sixty yards of the shore there is a good- 
anchorage-ground, affording safe harborage in eleven feet water. 

5RA20RIA COUNTY. 

Brazoria county is bounded on the north by Fort Bend and Harris counties, on 
the south by the Gulf of Mexico, on the east by Galveston county, and on the west 
by Matagorda county. It contains an area of 1200 square miles. The Brazos_ River 
meanders through this county, as well as the San Barnard River and Oj'ster Creek. 
The bottoms of all these streams are very fertile; and it is contended that Brazoria 
county is the most important in the State, — although Harrison county, in 
the northeastern portion of the State, lays claim to the precedence. 

The principal productions of this county are sugar and molasses, of which 
immense quantities are made, while for graziug-purposes she affords great 
facilities. 

In common with the other coast-counties, the temperature during both summer 
and winter is rendered extremely pleasant by the sea-breezes, — the influence of 
which is particularly observable during the months of January, February, June, 
July and August. 

The county town is Brazoria, which, as well as Columbia on the Brazos, is a 
place of considerable importance. 

The face of the country may be regarded as level, beinj only slightly undulating. 



BELL COUNTY. 283 

The supply of timber is large : tliercforo the absence of stone within its limits is 
not felt. There is in this county a singular natural curiosity, which is highly 
advantageous to this sugar-producing county in the extensive quantity and excellent 
quality of limestone to bo found at a point known as Damon's Mound; and what 
makes its presence there peculiarly valuable is that it is the only place where that 
important article is to be found anywhere within a reasonable distance. 

The people of Brazoria county are very enterprising. They have already mate- 
rially assisted in opening a communication with Galveston, by aid of a canal, 
which is now being navigated by stern-wheel steamboats. This is the only work 
of public importance that has been completed in Texas, and they are now endea- 
voring, with the assistance of Galveston, to materially increase its facilities, and 
there can be no doubt that their efforts will be attended with success. Besides 
this, the initiatory steps have been taken to connect the heart of the sugar- 
region, which is situated in this county, with the city of Houston, by a railroad ; 
and the fact that the enterprise is in the hands of men proverbial for their 
indomitable industry, perseverance and business-habits, together with the means 
at their command, is the best guarantee of success. 

BELL COUNTY 

Is bounded on the north by Corjell county, on the south by Milam county, on 
the east by Falls and part of McLennan county, and on the west by Williamson 
and part of Burnet county. Its area is 1097 square miles. The Leon, Lampases 
and Salado empty into each other a little south of the centre of this county, and 
then are known as Little River, which at an early date was called the San Andreas. 
Its other water-courses are Noland's Creek, Owl Creek, Cow-House Creek, Elm 
Creek, Davis' Creek and Donohue's Creek. The post-offices arc Bellton, Howard 
and Salado. This county is attached to the Third Judicial District, of which 
R. E. B. Baylor is Judge and N. W. Battle District Attorney. The terms of 
the District Court commence on the ninth Monday after the second Monday in 
March and September, being the 10th May and loth November, 1S58, and the 16th 
May aud 14th November, 1859. The Notaries Public are H. E. Bradford, L. 
Price, S. W. Bingham and T. A. Supple. This county is well supplied with fine 
building-rock, aud on the waters of the Leon with an unlimited quantity of cedar 
timber for fencing. Pine plank is supplied by Bastrop county. 

Bellton is the county seat, aud is a neat and improving town, situated on the 
banks of Noland's River. 

This county, originally a portion of old Jlilam county, derived its name from P. 
llansbrough Boll, a short biographical sketch of whom is to be found on page 101 
of this Guide Book. There are but few counties that are receiving annually a 
greater number of immigrants than Bell county. 



284 FALLS COUNTY. 

A portion of this county is very hilly, but that part which is sufficiently level for 
cultivation is very rich. The greater number of the inhabitants in and about Bellton 
are from Bedford county, Tennessee. 

The Land Office of Milam is located at Bellton, and Mr. Bradford is District 

Surveyor. 

— — 8-M##g-J-'— 

FALLS COUNTY 

"Was organized January 28, ISoO, and was taken from Milam and Robertson 
counties. The Brazos River meanders its way from north to south through the 
whole county, while Lake Creek, Cow Creek, Deer Creek, Fish Creek, Big Creek, 
Hoc Creek, Pond Creek, Elm Creek, Indian Creek and Alto Springs are all 
within its limits. This county derives its name from the celebrated Falls of the 
Brazos, which are situated near its centre, — near which the old town of Viesca 
■was situated. Here are immense bodies of fine weed-prairies, so proverbial for 
their fertility : indeed, the whole of the lands within the limits of this county may 
be classed as first-rate, although they lack timber. The area of this county is 795 
square miles. Its post-offices are Carolina, Deer Creek, Elm Creek, Jena, Martin 
and Prosperity. It forms a portion of the Thirteenth Judicial District, of which 
John Gregg is Judge and Charles Stewart is District Attorney. The court com- 
mences its sessions on the third Monday in March and September, the 15th March 
and 20th September, 1858, and the 21st March and 19th September, 1859. 



ANDERSON COUNTY. 

Anderson county is situated on the waters of the river Trinity, that river 
forming its western boundary. This may be regarded as one of our heavily-tim- 
bered counties. Its area is 1121 square miles. The face of the country is much 
broken, but agreeably diversified by hill and dale. The soil, which is of a deep-red 
color, is highly esteemed for its fertility. This county is fast filling up. Notwith- 
standing the fact that a large portion of the lands is claimed under adverse titles, 
they have sCdvaneed to a high price, many of the settlers having concluded that it 
was cheaper to compromise with the holders under the eleven-league grants than to 
allow their homesteads to continue for years in litigation. 

Palestine, the county town, is a place of considerable importance, and contains 
several fine stores and hotels. The last session of the Masonic Grand Lodge of 
Texas was held at this place, in January, 1857. 

Tennessee Colony is a very flourishing settlement : the lands are rich ; and the 
settlers, the majority of whom are from the State of Tennessee, are industrious and 
competent farmers, and generally in comfortable circumstances. 

Most of the business of this county is done with Galveston. There is a large 
amount of cotton made here, the yield being very heavy, — generally estimated at 
about five hundred and fifty pounds to the acra. 



WALKER COUNTY. 285 



WALKER COUMTY. 



Walker county possesses within her limits all the elements necessary to place 
her in the foremost ranks of hor sister counties, and only requires the aid of rail- 
roads to fully develop her resources ; and this facility she is bound ere long to 
obtain, as the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railway must inevitably pass 
through her territory. 

There are some fine white sulphur springs In this county : they rise in a pictu- 
resque valley and are highly appreciated for their medicinal virtues. Near the Bedais 
is a very fine spring supersaturated with magnesia and possessing all the healing 
properties that can be expected from a spring of that character. Thirty miles west 
there is a blue sulphur spring, which is a place of considerable resort. The county 
seat is Iluntsville, where is located 

AUSTIN COLLEGE, 
The prosperity of which is looked forward to with much anxiety by the friends of 
education throughout our State. They have already erected, on a commanding 
eminence, a beautiful building, have obtained the services of able professors, laid 
the foundation of a good library, and procured chemical and philosophical appa- 
ratus, and placed the institution under the direction of an enlightened and efficient 
board of trustees, who appear determined to make it an ornament to the town and 
a credit to the State. The students number now over one hundred; and, from the 
high reputation that this college has deservedly obtained, there is no doubt that it 
will receive an increased patronage during the ensuing year. 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.— Rev. Daniel Baker, D.D., Ex-Officio President. 
Rev. J. W. Miller, Rev. R. H. Byers, Hon. Sam Houston, A. S. Libscomb, Col. A. 
IL Cook, Col. John Hume, Dr. John Branch, Col. John Hill, James A. Baker, Esq., 
J. C. Smith, Esq., D. D. Atchison, Esq., A. J. Burke, Esq., James Sorley, Esq., 
Rev. Daniel Baker, D.D., General Agent. James A. Baker, Treasurer. William 
C. Somcrville, Librarian. 

FACULTY. 

Rev. A. E. Thorn, A.M., Acting President, and Professor of Mathematics and 
Natural Philosophy. 

Rev. AV. J. McKNicnx, A.JL, Professor of Ancient Languages. 

Rev. W. C. Somerville, A.M., Adjunct Professor of Languages. 

Mr. Antonio De Lono, Teacher of the Spanish and French Languages. 

Mr. Henry Keigwirs, A.B., Teacher in the Preparatory School. 

No student shall be admitted into any class in college, unless the faculty shall 
have satisfactory evidence of his sustaining a good moral character; and if he comes 
from another college in Texas he must also present a certificate of a regular and 
honorable dismissiou from the Institution which he has left. Any student applying 
for admission, besides the foregoing requisites, must go first to the treasurer and get 



286 BROWN COUNTY. 

from him a certificate of enrolment, having paid the necessary fees. But candidates 
for the sacred office, who need aid, and come well recommended by their respective 
presbyteries, conferences or associations, will be exempt from all tuition-fees : 
provided the number should at no one time exceed thirty. 
LAW DEPARTMENT. 
1. There shall be two sessions per annum, to be holden as nearly as possible for 
the term of four months each, — the first, or summer session, to commence on the 
last Wednesday in June, and the second, or winter session, on the last Wednesday 
in November, every year : provided that, for good cause, and upon due notice given, 
the executive committee of said college may vary the time of the commencement 
of said session. 2. The said Law Department shall never be a charge upon the 
funds of the college, but shall be sustained by its own tuition-fees. 3. The 
students in said Law Department shall be governed by the same rules and be 
entitled to the same privileges as students in the senior department of the college, 
and, if they desire, may attend the lectures of each senior class free of charge. 4. 
The Professor or Professors of said Law Department shall be and form a part of 
the faculty of said college, and enjoy all the privileges and be under the same 
responsibility as the other Professors in the Institution. 5. Students in the Law 
Department shall pay the sum of fifty dollars per session, for tuition, in advance, 
as the other students of the college ; and the Treasurer shall keep an account of 
said tuition-fees separately from the other college accounts. 6. A regular course 
of study in said Law Department, hereafter to be prescribed, shall continue four 
sessions ; although such students as have already advanced in the study of the 
law may be permitted to graduate earlier, according to their proficiency. 7. 
Diplomas shall be granted in the Law Department, to be signed and sealed as other 
diplomas granted by this corporation^ but no such diplomas shall be granted except 
upon the payment of all fees. The principles of the Law Department having been 
settled, Hon. T. Wheeler was duly elected Professor op Law, and entered upon 
the duties of his ofiice on the last Wednesday in June, ISJS. 

— -*8-3 ll-$'3-3-'- — 

BROWN COUNTY. 

Brown county, the most westerly county on the north bank of the Colorado 
River, was created out of the territory attached to Travis county, and was organ- 
ized on the 21st of March, 1S51. Its area is computed to be 1059 square miles. 
This is a finely-watered county, having the Colorado River for its southern and 
Mukewater Creek for its western boundary, while the celebrated Pecan Bayou 
enters it about eight miles east of its northwest corner, and runs through its entire 
extent, emptying into the Colorado River at its southeast corner. The other 
streams are Pompey's Blanket, Delaware, Aqua Dulce, Paint, Green Briar, In- 
dian and Clear Creeks. Camp Colorado is situated within the limits of this 
county. The seat of justice is Brownwood. This county, on account of its po- 
sition, is sparsely settled; but the day is not far distant when its fine lands, 



FORT BEND COUNTY. 287 

pure water and mountain air will attract innnmorable settlers, especially 
when the Pacific Railway progresses, as it must inevitably pass through this 
county. Those who are fond of scenery will find it here in abundance. None of 
your dreary, flat, misci'able level plains that require the aid of man to become 
anyway interesting or attractive. No; here you will find majestic hills rising 
gradually from her blooming valleys, which, while they enhance the grandeur and 
beauty of the scene, form an inexhaustible mine of all the elements requisite to 
preserve and increase the fertility of the lowlands. 

FORT BEND COUNTY. 

Fort Bend county is bounded on the north by Austin county, on the northeast 
by Harris county, on the south and southeast by Brazoria county, and on the west 
by the San Barnard River, which separates it from Wharton county. The Brazos 
River meanders through the whole extent of this count}', and ou its southwestern 
bank is situated the town of Richmond, a prominent business-point, which is 
destined to increase rapidly in size and importance. It is at present the terminus 
of the Buffalo Baj-ou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad, — although preparations are 
making to extend this road as far as the town of Columbus on the Colorado River 
in Colorado county. Richmond contains over 1000 inhabitants; and it is estimated 
that the amount of cotton of the crop of 1857 that will pass through this town for 
transhipment by the above railroad, familiarly known as the Harrisburg Railroad, 
will be at least twentj'-five thousand bales, — besides a considerable quantity of 
sugar and molasses. In this town there are one church, one Masonic Lodge and 
one Chapter, one Odd-Fellows' Lodge, one Temple of Honor, with the usual amount 
of stores, shops and mechanics, and no lack of attorneys and physicians. 

In the year 1821, a small party of Austin's Colony, with William Little at their 
head, were directed to enter the Brazos River at its mouth and to continue up the 
stream until they found a desirable town-site on its banks, and there to commence 
a settlement. 

The little party, consisting of fifteen or twenty persons, continued up the river 
until they came to the point where Richmond is now situated. Delighted with the 
beautiful prairie on its southwestern bank, the high banks and sandy soil, the rich 
bottom-lands extending for miles back from the river on both sides, possessing all 
the requisites for sugar or cotton plantations, and the inexhaustible quantity of 
timber, Mr. Little selected this as the spot for their future settlement, — the river 
Brazos just above approaching to within one mile of this point, then going off in a 
northern direction, and, after describing a circle of about twelve miles, sweeping 
gently by them again on its course to the Gulf. 

Their first step was to build a rude double log house. This house, with a small 
cannon which they mounted on wooden wheels of their own construction and placed 
in the passage between the two rooms composing it, was named the Fort. 

The large bend in the river of which we have already spoken was called Fort 
Be.nd, and this settlement became known as the Fort Settlement or Fort Bexd 



288 CALHOUN COUNTY. 

Settlement, whence this county derived its name on its organization in the year 
1838. The site of the old fort was upon lots near the centre of the present town 
of Richmond. 

CALHOUN COUNTY. 

Calhoun county is bounded on the north by Victoria county, on the south by 
Espiritu Santo and Matagorda Bays, on the east by Matagorda Bay, and on the west 
by the San Antonio River, which separates it from Refugio count}'. It has a very 
large front on the coast. 

We have ever considered the city of Galveston the first commercial port in the 
State, and we believe that the second point of importance must be within the limits 
of this county. The misfortune is that there are so many points that are striving to 
attain the rank of the second seaport of Texas all possessing so many advantages, 
that it is really difficult to surmise which point will ultimately bear off the palm. 

At Powder-Horu the steamships of both the Southern Steamship Company and 
the Vanderbilt line from New Orleans have their termini. There is an excellent 
hotel here, kept by Casimir VilleneufFe ; and the place is of growing importance. 

Lavaca, some twelve miles farther up the country, is a formidable rival ; and, 
as teamsters save twelve miles of bad road in rainy weather by stopping there, it 
possesses an advantage over Indianola and Powder-Hoi-n. The latter point, how- 
ever, has a decided superiority as regard depth of water in harbor. 

Saluria, La Salle, Liunville, all lay claim to peculiar advantages. We shall not 
attempt to decide this knotty point, but will merely remark that we believe it will 
not be permanently settled until the completion of the railroad to San Antonio 
now in progress of construction from Port Lavaca; while the citizens of Indianola 
and Powder-Horn, not to be surpassed by their neighbors in enterprise, are grading 
the railroad that is to be between Powder-Horn and Port Lavaca. 

Green Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes within the limits of our State, ia 
situated in this county. Its scenery is beautiful, and the lauds on its margin are 
very fertile. The San Antonio River empties into Espiritu. Santo Bay withn the 
limits of this county. 

RECEIPTS AND EXPORTS OP LAVACA, 

From the 1st of September, 1855, to the 1st of September, 1856 : prepai-ed by 
Messrs. Kirland, Baugh & Co., of Lavaca. 

RECEIPTS. 

Assorted merchandise, barrel measurement 275,000 

Sacks salt 15-000 

Lumber, feet 1,560,000 

EXPORTS. 

Bales cotton 15,496 

Bales wood H*^ 

Beef hides.. 1'J.»'00 

Peltries, pounds 12,000 

Pigs lead *'20 



COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 289 

COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 

The region of country comprised within the limits of these two districts is of 
very great extent, and includes the celebrated Pan-Handle Country and the head- 
waters of the Brazos and Red River, with their numerous tril)utaries. In giving a 
description of this section of country, with which we are intimately acquainted, we 
are satisfied that, with a few unimportant alterations, it would be applicable to the 
majority of the counties in the northern portion of our State, — premising, however, 
that the latter have, owing to their locality, progressed much more rapidly in those 
improvements that are alono necessary to make the lands of Northern and Western 
Texas increase in value. But the march of improvement is onward ; and nothing 
can check it while the United States ailhere to their present policy of erecting forts 
on the extreme frontier and placing them under the command of officers of acknow- 
ledged military skill and ability, — men who not only know their dutj', but who feel 
a pleasure and a pride in its performance. This, we are happy to say, has for many 
years been the characteristic trait of those to whom the protection of our frontier 
has been confided ; and, from personal observation, we are satisfied that if they 
were left untrammelled by orders from head-quarters, and were allowed to exercise 
more of their own judgment, the result would be still more beneficial. 

We have passed much of our time on the frontier, and can with pleasure render 
justice to the officers of the different regiments that have been stationed on the ex- 
treme frontier, in bearing evidence to their strict military discipline, attention 
to- their dutj', and gentlemanly courtesy toward strangers and travellers. There is, 
however, one great drawback to their usefulness, which can be remedied only at 
head-quarters : we allude to the frequent change of the different companies from 
one station to another, and those stations often hundreds of miles apart. This is 
decidedly wrong. To give us the full advantages of frontier-protection, it is im- 
peratively necessary that those to whom this duty is assigned should be intimately 
acquainted with the surrounding country ; and, to enable them to obtain this 
information so as to be productive of beneficial results, the longer they are located 
at one point the better. Besides, the comfort and health of the defenders of our 
frontier would be materially furthered if an alteration were made in this matter ; 
for it is an indisputable fact that no sooner have those who have been stationed on 
extreme outposts made themselves comfortable by the erection of proper buildings 
and the cultivation of gardens than they are ordered to some new and distant 
point, and thus, at the moment of fruition, are deprived of the comforts and con- 
veniences which they have provided by their labor and attention. With respect to 
the selection of sites for the dififerent military posts, we only do justice to those who 
performed that duty in recording the fact that, with a slight exception, their selec- 
tions have evinced great taste : many of the locations are beautiful in the extreme. 
Such being the case, it would bo almost invidious to particularize the dififerent 
points worthy of note. 

In the unsettled portion of this section of our State are to be found herds oj 

13 



290 COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 

buffalo, which will induce the adventurous American sportsman to explore this 
hitherto almost-unknown region of Texas ; and no sooner will the facilities for this 
exhilarating sport become known in Great Britain than there will be attracted to 
this section of country many of those noble spirits who delight in the chase, and 
whose ardent devotion to field-sports so often leads them to distant lands in quest of 
game more formidable and adventures more exciting than can be found in their 
native land. The exciting sports found in Africa, India and on the upper waters 
of the Mississippi may yet have to give way to the excitement and gratification 
attendant on a buffalo-hunt in Northwestern Texas ; for be it known to our Gaelic and 
Celtic brethren, in whom the passion for wild sports is hard to overcome, that here 
they can gratify their inclination to the fullest extent. Herds not merely of hun- 
dreds, but of thousands, are to be met with on the Pan-Handle Country ; and such 
is the exhilarating nature of this sport that we have seen even the phlegmatic Ger- 
man forget his pipe and rush headlong into the buffalo-hunt. 

The true sportsman will of course be aware that he cannot participate in this 
healthy and invigorating amusement without penetrating far into the wilds of 
Texas. As these animals are seldom to be found near the settlements, it can only 
be enjoyed by those who can afford to make up a party sufficiently large, with the 
necessary appointments, to venture far into the Indian country, for this region of 
country comprises within its limits hundreds of thousands of acres of land on which 
there are as yet no settlements, — although about Belknap and Gainesville the 
country is rapidly filling up. 

Having ourselves participated in the pleasures of a buffalo-hunt, we are aware 
that, whenever our mind dwells upon the exciting scenes we have passed through, 
we become oblivious of our every-day business and pleasures and dwell upon this 
subject for hours, writing page after page descriptive of our enjoyment. AVhile 
thus employed, the sober second thought reminds us that all who read our book are 
not Nimrods; and therefore we have, somewhat reluctantly, determined to commit 
to the flames the major portion of what we had written descriptive of the buffalo- 
hunt. 

There are other animals to be found here worthy of the attention of the sports- 
man, among which is the black bear, which during the proper season are very fat, as 
also the wild turkey. The breast of the latter, nicely fried in the oil of the former, 
would furnish a dish calculated to tickle the palate of a London alderman. 

Here also may be found the peccary, or Mexican hog, — a totally-distinct species 
from the ordinary wild hog. Both are very ferocious, and afford fine sport. The 
flesh of the former is seldom eaten, being very coarse and strong ; while that of the 
latter is nearly equal in point of flavor to that of their civilized brethren, whose 
flesh, although Father Moses has prohibited the use of it, is consumed in vast 
quantities in our State, owing to the ease with which it can be preserved and trans- 
ported. Deer and antelope abound here, and during the proper season afford a 
bountiful supply of sport and fresh meat to those who have energy and industry 
enough to participate in the chase; while wild turkeys, ducks and geese, and the 



COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 291 

smaller Lirds, afford fine amusement to those who deligh in the use of the 
fowling-piece. 

A portion of those districts is comprised within thclimits of that belt of country 
known as the Cross-Timbers, mostly covered with post-oak, although on all the 
water-courses are to be found the ash, the walnut, the pecan, the elm, the 
mulberry, and the Spanish and burr oak. These Cross-Timbers are occasionally 
variegated with beautiful but small skirts of prairie-land, covered with a luxuriant 
growth of grass, and are the haunts of numberless deer and turkeys. 

After leaving the stately and magnificent forest of the Cross-Timbers, we strike 
the rich prairie-lands, garnished as they are with an endless variety of flowers. 
Strange indeed must it appear to the newly-arrived immigrant to find hero the 
highly-prized dahlia, the luxury of whose possession in the Northern States and 
Europe is confined almost exclusively to the fashionable and wealthy, as great care 
and the aid of the hot-house arc required iu their production : here they grow wild, 
and are passed by our people with as little notice as though they were the common 
daisy. 

The water-lily, the beautiful Indian plume, the trumpet-flower, the violet, the 
wax-apple, (whoso blossom is a most beautiful and delicate flower,) the multiflora, 
and other varieties of the rose family, are here to be met with in great abundance, 
as well as the jonquil and honeysuckle : nay, even the hyacinth can be obtained 
on our prairies ; while the primrose can be had in endless variety to add to the 
bouquet which you may here cull to present to your lady-love while travelling over 
a region of country covered by that strange and interesting plant, the bashful 
mimosa, which, as it is crushed under the hoofs of your horse, regales your olfactory 
nerves with a perfume rivalling in delicacy the finest aroma of the richest Turkish 
attar of roses. 

As regards the berry famih^, they are to be found in the greatest abundance and 
perfection, as also the plum, — which here grows wild and is %'ery fine, plainly 
indicating that the different varieties of the grape, the peach, and other stone-fruit 
of the North, under ordinary cultivation, could be most successfully produced here. 
Wo hardly know how to speak of the different articles that this favored region of 
country can bo made to produce. So varied are they that persons who have never 
visited this portion of our State might suppose that wo were drawing upon our 
imaginatit>n. Side by side you can grow cotton and wheat. Tobacco and barley, 
flax, hemp and upland rice, we arc satisfied, can be successfully raised, — as wc find 
here in wild luxuriance a species of each of these articles. 

The grape and mulberry are found here growing spontaneously and in great 
perfection, — a proof that wink and silk will one day be commodities of extensive 
export. All that is necessary is that that class of emigrants who are well versed 
in the cultivation and manufacture of these articles should settle up this country, 
which certainly holds out extraordinary inducements to them. 

A species of the vanilla bean grows wild here. Why cannot this fact, when 
generally known, induce some one to pay attention to its cultivation, which would 
certainly be profitable? 



292 COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 

Those who after a hard day's ride have tasted a cup of refreshing tea made from 
the leaves of the common yaupan-tree will certainly prefer it to the article known 
in commerce as tea, imported from China; although we do not pretend to say that 
it can be compared to a dish of real Hyson or Souchong. The Chili or Cayenne 
pepper grows wild ; and we would not be surprised, at no far-distant day, to open 
one of the blanket-newspapers of the North and find an advertisement of a ft-esh 
lot of Texian cochineal. Although we have not nearly exhausted the long list of 
articles that can be procured by proper cultivation in this section of our State, we 
must turn our attention to some other subjects, merely remarking, in passing, that 
there are many — very many — sources of wealth and enjoyment that will be 
developed as this portion of the country is explored, all of which will tend -to 
advance not only individual prosperity, but our national greatness. 

One of the finest portions of this section of country is that which is watered by 
the Little Wichita, one of the main tributaries of Red River. The soil in the 
valleys on this stream is very rich, and from its head to its mouth splendid farms 
can easily be made on both sides of the stream ; Avhile the back-country — which is 
a high rolling prairie, covered with a heavy growth of luxuriant and nutritious 
grasses, and dotted here and there with islands of timber — affords a most excellent 
cattle-range and presents a beautiful view. The timber growing on the banks of 
this stream, which is very abundant and of a very large size, consists of hackberry, 
overcup oak, elm, white oak and wild china. The waters of this stream are clear, 
sweet and rapid. 

The Big Wichita, another tributary of Red River, rises in a high, mountainous 
and rocky country, and, after wending its way through the mountains, winds 
through a series of rich valleys, on both sides, of a mile and upward in width. 
As it wends its way toward its mouth, the valleys become wider and increase in 
fertility. The waters of this stream are very sluggish, and during a stage of high 
•water are very turbid and highly charged with a red sedimentary matter containing 
a large amount of gypsum in solution. The banks of the Big Wichita are abrupt 
and high, and it is very difficult to find a crossing. After a great deal of exertion, 
we could find but two good crossing-places below its forks. This river is very 
crooked, running, within the distance of a few miles, to every point of the com- 
pass ; but its banks are covered with a very luxuriant growth of mezquite grass. 
Although there is but little timber on the banks of the Big Wichita, we occasionally 
meet with groves of cottonwood and hackberry. Near its mouth the banks are 
very high, the bluflFs rising to an elevation of over one hundred feet. Although the 
main stream is brackish and unfit for the use of man, cattle drink the water : yet this 
quality is a matter of trifling moment ; for at the head of many of the ravines by 
which the country of the Lower Big Wichita is intersected may be found many 
springs of pure cold water. The Big Wichita is a stream of sufficient size to be 
navigated by small steamers; and such, we doubt not, will one day be the case. 

Belknap, situated about half a mile from the fort of the same name, is the 
county seat; and there is every indication of the existence of extensive beds of 



HOOFiH AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 293 

oituiuinous coal in the immediate neighborhood, the quality of which upon trial 
has been found to bo excellent, and when this country becomes settled will be of 
immense value. 

lu the immediate vicinity of this point, owing to the protecticn afforded by the 
fort and the high prices realized for the articles produced on the farms, a number 
oC persons are settled, not only on the Brazos Rivei", but also on her tributaries', — 
the lands being very fertile and timber tolerably plenty. 

About thirty miles above Belknap is the highest i)oiut of post-oak timber on 
the Brazos River, where it,is found in innumerable beautiful groves. 

Within this section of country are located the Indian Reserves, a full account 
of which we hope to give in our subsequent editions. These reserves, from which 
great advantages must accrue to both the whites and Indians, were established 
through the exertions of Major Robt. M. Neighbors, who has for a number of 
years and under several administrations — not only of the United States Govern- 
ment, but under that of the late Republic of Texas — retained the responsible oflSce 
of Indian Agent ; and while he holds that office, assisted by Capt. S. P. Ross, 
from their intimate acquaintance with the character of the Indians and the duties 
of their office, the most beneficial results must attend their exertions. 

One of the peculiar institutions to be found in this couutrj' is the Indian trading- 
house of Charles Barnard, Esq. Mr. Barnard has been settled among them for a 
number of years. Even when his trading-house was in the heart of the hostUo 
country, the savages always respected liim and those in his employ : their lives 
and property were safe. Strange as it ma}' appear, although his stores were always 
well filled with blankets, paints, and every article that Indians prize so highly, no 
door except that of the powder-magazine was ever locked ; and nis property was 
safe, — though in general the uncivilized Indians are notoriously adroit thieves. 
The word of Ciiarlcs Barnard, Major Neighbors and Capt. Ross never having been 
forfeited to them, they have ever placed implicit confidence and dependence in their 
promises. Mr. Barnanl is in the habit of crediting these Indians ; and it is 
astonishing that no inducement can be held out to them to dispose of the product- 
of their hunting-season until they have liquidated every dime of their indebted- 
ness to him; and, should their hunt prove unsuccessful, they are sure to pay up 
in full the ensuing season, should Fortune then favor them. There is no such thing 
known among them as the statute of limitations : that is a luxury enjoyed only by 
the more civilized portion of our inhabitants. 

There can be no doubt that there is a large amount of minerals to be found in 
this district of country. Coal and rich copper-ore we have seen and tested. What 
other valuable minerals may yet be found, when there is a geological survey made 
of this section of country. Time — the great revealcr — can alone develop. 

Speaking of the Pan-llandle Country, the Rev. L. P. Rucker, of the Episcopal 
Church, who has visited this section of country since our passage through it, in a 
communication to the Galveston News gives the following graphic description of 
it ; and, as it may prove as interesting to our readers as it did to us, we have 



294 COOKE AND YOUXG LAND DISTRICTS. 

appropriated to our own use the major portion of his communication, as he fully 
corroborates our opinion. 

This country embraces an extent of territory sufficiently large for some four or 
five constitutional counties, that will admit of a dense population, with a soil 
capable of producing the finest crops of wheat, corn, rye, oats, barley and the other 
cereals and fruits common to the climate, viz. : the latitude of North Mississippi and 
southern part of Tennessee, from 35° 30' to 36°. I call particular attention to the 
extent of this part of our tci-ritory, because the idea entertained of it is too generally 
that of a mere isolated spot — some sweet vale of America, or oasis in the desert — too 
small in extent to support population enough to make an interesting country. On 
the contrary, I think that whoever will travel over it as I have done, sketching some 
ninety or one hundred miles in length and from forty to seventy-five miles in width, 
will begin to think with the Indian who said of it, *' This is one mighty big country, 
captain." 

All who have ever seen this section of country concur in the opinion that it will 
certainly equal, if it does not surpass, any other portion of Texas or the United 
States as a grain-country. But the question is asked next. Where is the market 
for such produce ? I answer, for the first four or five years after settlements 
commence there, the market will be at home, in supplying the immigrants as they 
come in, and furnishing bread to the thousands of Indians to be settled on the 
Reserve leased from the Choctaws and Cherokees by the last Congress, and imme- 
diately adjoining this part of Texas on the east. 

I regard the great facilities for stock-raising, however, as one of the most 
important resources of this section of country for the next ten or twelve years. It 
is well watered, having an abundance of running streams of unfailing water. The 
grasses are unequalled and peculiar, as is remarked by all travellers, comprising all 
the varieties of the mezquito, the buffalo grass, the gamma, the wild rye, Ac, all in 
the highest state of perfection. The gamma grass seems to be the most important, 
as stock appear to be fonder of it than of any other, and seem to thrive better 
upon it. Horses grazing on this grass have a fine glossy coat of hair, like the 
finest breeds stabled and well fed on corn and oats. 

This was remarked by all our company last spring, when our Delaware Indians 
caught a Canadian pony that had been lost by some party of wild Indians last 
fall or winter. It was evident from his appearance that he had not been in use for 
six months, and must have spent the winter there. He was caught about the 
middle of May, not more than two weeks after the usual summer grasses had com- 
menced springing up; and yet he was the fattest animal of the horse kind I ever 
saw, with a coat of hair that would compare favorably with that of any of our finest- 
blooded animals, even with all the advantages of being stabled, and pampered on 
the richest provender. I observed the same peculiarity among all the horses of the 
tribe of Comanches I met with last summer in that country. They had more 
than a thousand head of horses, all in the same condition. The Comanches 
usually winter here; and here, too, they always resort to recruit their jaded animals 



COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 295 

after their long foraging-expeditions during tlic summer. If further proof is needed 
of the great superiority of this section as a grazing jTnd stocli-growing country, 
it may be found in the fact that the huffalo is always to be found here, summer and 
winter, appearing to prefer this to any other range. Those who have observed 
the habits and instincts of this animal will not feel disposed to dispute the tiuth of 
the remark of Hon. Thos. 11. Benton, that " the buffalo are our best pioneers and 
surest guides to the best country." 

There can be no doubt, then, that this section of countrj- will prove to be one of 
the finest stock-growing regions in North America, and for this kind of produce it 
is several hundred miles nearer the best markets in the United States than any 
other portion of Texas now settled. It is well known that by far the greatest part 
of our stock (beef cattle, mules and horses) has for years past been driven to the 
Northwestern States, and has passed out of Texas by roads crossing Red River high 
up. Looking on the map of the United States, it will be seen at a glance that the 
stock-raiser in the " Pan-Handle" will be able to reach the same markets — viz. : St. 
Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, or the Northern railroad-routes — with a travel of from 
three hundred to eight hundred miles less than that over which Texas producers 
now have to drive their stock. 

But what then, after the ten or twelve years? "Will the grass fail? no ! Will the 
water dry up ? no ! AVill the soil wear out ? no ! never. What then will happen ? 
What change will pass over this country in ten or twelve j-ears to revolutionize 
business in the "Pan-Handle" Countrj- ? Surely not a comet conflagration! 
No! not this either; but something as nearly like it as the nature of the case will 
admit. I expect to see by that time the iron horse snorting along through that 
country, with comet-like train, on his way to Kansas and the now Northern 
Territories, then States, with a complete chain of railroad-communication to the 
Gulf of Mexico from the Northern Lakes. It is manifest destiny. The topography 
of the countrj' marks it out as the best and almost the only practicable route for 
a railroad connecting these Northwestern States and Territories with the Gulf 
of Mexico. Talk as they will, plan and scheme as they may, unless they have 
the faith to remove mountains, the railroad from Kansas is bound to pass through 
our " Pan-Handle." I believe it will be done. Already the shrewd Yankee pioneers 
of the Northwestern Territories are beginning to foresee the necessity of a direct 
communication with our Gulf coast; and even now many of them are looking upon 
it as a fixed fact that they will be bound to connect with the Houston and Texas 
Centhal Railroad sooner or later. 

Here, then, I look for the development of the agricultural resources of the " Pan- 
Handle" and Upper Red River country. It may seem too much to expect a work 
of so great importance to be consummated within the short space of ten or twelve 
years ; but then it should be remembered that while our Houston and Texas Cen- 
TUAL Raii.hoad COMPANY are building their road four hundred or five hundred 
miles up, the Northern people will only have about the same distance to build 
down this way, to meet the former near Red River; and, the connection ouca 



296 



COOKE AND YOUNG LAND DISTRICTS. 



effected, it would become in a few years one of the ver^' best paying railroads in 
the United States. m 



1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 


31 


32 


33 


34 


35 


44 


36 


37 


38 


39 


40 


41 


42 


43 



of tIjC 

SAMIL D. WALTMM'S LEAGUE OF LAND, 

SITUATED ON THE WATERS OF THE LITTLE AVICIIITA, 

COOKE COUNTY. 

This advantageously-located tract of land has been divided into eligible farming- 
lots of the following dimensions : — 

Forty-three lots of ONE HUNDRED ACRES each, 
One lot of TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT ACRES. 
Ten per cent, of the net proceeds of the sales of this tract of land will be devoted 
to educational purposes. 

Terms : — One-third cash ; balance at one, two, three and four years' credit, with 
interest at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually. Title indis- 
putable. Apply to 

CLARK * FAULKNER, No. 16 Wall Street, New York, or 
J. DE CORDOVA, Swainson's Building, City of AusUn. 



HAYS COUNTY. 297 



HAYS COUNTY. 



This county derives its name fnnii Captain J. C. Hays, a distinguished Tcxian 
ranjjer and surveyor, and one of the most popular men that fi;^ured at an early 
day in Western Texas. lie has been several times before the people as a candi- 
date for offices of both a military and civic character, and always with success. 
Although slightly built, he is an uncommonly active man, and a splendid horse- 
man : during an Indian pursuit he has been known to leap ravines of the most 
extraordinary width. He can pick up a half-dollar from the ground while his 
horse is at full speed. His very name is a terror to the Indians, as they believe 
that he bears a charmed life. Colonel Hays acted a conspicuous part in the 
Mexican War; and on President Pierce's assuming the Presidential chair he was 
appointed surveyor-general of California, from which office he has been transferred 
by President Buchanan to that of surveyor-general of Oregon. 

Haj's county adjoins Travis; and the traveller who visits San Antonio must 
pass through it on his way from the city of Austin. Except in wet weather, the 
road — which is a natural one — is good, and the scenery beautiful. For miles on 
the south side of the road stretches a magnificent park-like prairie, unbroken 
except by the improvements made within the last ten years. The traveller, no 
matter how often he may pass over this route, never becomes weary of admiring 
the beauty of its scenery, and the mountains on the north are not the least of the 
adjuncts to the interest of the landscape. 

San Marcos, a small town situated on the river of that name, is the county seat. 
One of the main causes of its small size is the immense number of small farms in 
the immediate neighborhood. The land being very fertile and well adapted to farm- 
ing-purposes, forty acres will be found ampl_v sufficient for the support of a large 
family ; and the consequence is that both sides of the road leading from the town 
of San Marcos to the river Guadalupe, a distance of sixteen miles, are lined with 
beautiful farms; and, owing to the proximity of these farms to each other, the 
name of Stringtown has been applied to them. The houses here present a very 
comfortable appearance; and there is more than the ordinary attention paid to 
farming. It might seem invidious, in a neighborhood where there are so many 
good farmers, to particularize any one of them; j'et we would advise those who 
feel an interest in agricultural pursuits to give General John D. Pitts a call, whom 
they will not only find an excellent farmer but a successful stock-raiser. In the 
latter branch of business he is only excelled by his friend, Thomas F. McKinney, 
Esq., who resides on the waters of Onion Creek, in Travis county. However, if 
the old general must give way and he satisfied with being second in stock-raising, 
his wife fears no competition as a dairywoman or a .successful gardener and raiser 
of poultry. About a year ago General Pitts was delighted at a slight increase in 
his stock in the production of a fine colt out of a favorite mule. The capability of 

marc-mule breeding is generally doubted; but here we have an incontrovertible 



298 HAYS COUNTY. 

evidence of the fact. The colt has a peculiar appearance, difiFerent from that of 
either the mule, the horse or the ass, yet bearing a strong resemblance to each. 
The mother and colt were sold to Leonard Groee, Esq., living on the river Brazos, 
at a high figure. 

To the right of the road is a chain of hills, — the road winding its way near the 
foot, — which ai-e covered with a dense growth of mountain cedar and live-oak, 
thus affording through the winter ample protection for stock during the prevalence 
of the northers. 

The water-power afforded by the Saint Mark's River is not only extensive, but 
susceptible of application with little trouble or expense, and is destined to perform 
far more important service than it is now doing, — the driving of a single saw and 
grist mill. 

We neglected, when speaking of Comal county, to mention the splendid furd that 
has been built across the Guadalupe River at a point which connects that county 
with Hays, it being the work of the good people of New Braunfels. It was 
originally a very deep, rocky and uneven crossing, dangerous to cross to both 
vehicles and horsemen ; but it is now one of the very best in the country, perfectly 
smooth, and not over eighteen inches deep. 

Perhaps there is no portion of the State of Texas less known than the country 
watered by the Rio Blanco ; nor do we believe that there is any section more 
worth}' of a thorough examination by the small farmer desirous, of settling his 
family in a healthy region of country, combining in an eminent degree the advan- 
tages of pure water and fine building-materials, provided he can be satisfied with 
the small valleys of very rich lands interspersed between her lofty hills ; while to the 
seeker of the sublime and beautiful we can recommend a visit to this section of 
country, even if he have already been satiated with the magnificent scenery of the 
noble Hudson, or that found on the margin of Lake Champlain ; for in the Rio 
Blanco country he will find much that is new and interesting ; and to the prac- 
tical geologist it opens a wide field for research. 

We cannot forbear mentioning a very singular spring, situated on the Cypress 
Fork of the Rio Blanco, known as " Jacob's Well," and owned by Judge Benjamin 
C. Franklin, of Galveston. This spring, which is very cold, rises out of a well 
about fifteen feet in diameter and forty-six feet deep : the well is perfectly round, looks 
as if it had been cut out of the solid rock by a skilful artist, and the wiiter is so clear 
that even at that great depth you can, with the naked ej^e, discern as small an 
object as a pin. Immediately around this spring there is a beautiful vallej', which, 
though small in size, is very rich and is surrounded bj' elegant building-sites. 
This point is well worthy a visit from all who delight in the sublime and 
beautiful. 

There is one peculiarity about this county which we cannot help remarking: 
there is not a practising lawyer residing within its limits. However strange this 
may appear, it is none the less true. 



DERIVATION OF THE NAMES OF THE COUNTIES. 299 

DERIVATION OF THE NAMES OF DIFFERENT COUNTIES. 

Atascosa : from Atascosa or '"Boggy" Creek. 

Baxdera: from Bandera or "Flag" Pass, on the Indian trail leading to the 
interior of Mexico. 

Bexar: from the Duke de Bexar, a grandee of Spain, and one of the first vice- 
roys of Mexico. 

Bosque : from Arroya Bosque, or " Brushy Creek." 

Brazoria : from the town of that name at the mouth of the Brazos. 

Brazos : from the river known as '' Brazos Dios" or " God's Arms." 

Colorado : from the river of that name, " Red River." The Red River proper 
was known as " Rio Colorado do Natchitoches," Red River of Natchitoches. 

Comal : from the Comal Creek, an Indian name meaning a griddle. 

El Paso : from the town of El Paso del Norte, *' North Crossing." 

Goliad : a transposition of the letters of the name of Idalgo, the first promoter 
of Mexican independence. 

Gonzales : one of the leaders during the struggle for Mexican independence. 

Guadalupe: from "El Rio de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe," the River of Our 
Lady of Guadalupe, a miraculous Virgin Mary in high veneration in Mexico. 

Hidalgo : after the insurgent leader of that name. 

Lavaca: from the "Lavaca" or "Cow Creek." 

Llaxo : from " El Rio de los Llanos," the River of the Prairies. 

Matagorda: after the name of a grandee of Spain, viceroy of Mexico; literally, 
" Kill Fat." 

JIedina: the name of a grandee of Spain, who was a viceroy of Mexico. 

Nacogdoches : the name of an extinct Indian tribe. 

Nueces : from the " Nueces" or " Pecan" River. 

Palo Pinto: Painted Pole. 

Refugio : from the extinct mission of "Nuestra Senora del Refugio," "Our Lady 
of Protection," one of the names given by the Spaniards to the Virgin Mary. 

Sabine : from " El Rio de los Sabinas," Pine River. 

San Patricio : San Patrick. 

San Saba : a saint of the Spanish calendar. 

Uvalde : the name of a Spanish captain. 

Victoria : the name of Guadalupe Victoria, one of the promoters of Mexican inde- 
pendence. 



300 



ERATH COUNTY. 



ERATH COUNTY 

Erath county, situated in the northwestern portion of the State, the 32d degree of 
latitude passing through its southern extremity, was originally a portion of Bosque 
countj', and is attached to Milam Land District. The area of this county is 992 
square miles. The face of the country is beautifully undulating, free from any 
local cause for disease, has an abundance of good timber, pure water and grazing- 
facilities, and is an excellent hog-range. It derived its name from Captain George 
B. Erath, who originally surveyed the whole county. 



29 


28 


27 


fH 


PLAN 


OF 








Kimball 


Kimball 


Kimball 


3 


KIMBALL. BLOCK, 




32 


31 


30 




Kimball 


Kimball 


Kimball 



o 
o 


ERATH COUNTY. 




33 
Kimball 


34 
Kimball 


35 
Kimball 


36 
Kimball 




38 
G. A. Vail. 




Edw. Irwin. 




42 


41 


40 


39 




Rhodes 


Hansbro 


Kimball 


Kimball 




K 
W 






46 


47 




48 








TardifiF 


J. H. Callahan. 




John Foster. 


Elihu David. 






Ewing. 








60 


54 






Isaac Milsaps. 










Greenberry Logan. 






- 


J. Wood. 








JD C 


M. F. 


D. A. Perry. 


> 

a 
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o 




=-i 


Stephen Churchill. 


o 
•4 
n 

2. 

B 






vi 


a 


Cr( 


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V 



ERATH COUNTY. 301 

50,000 ACRES OF LA^D 

On the hcad-Tvatcrs of 

KICKAPOO CREEK AND THE POLUXY RIVER, 

IN ERATH COUNTY, 

TWENTY MILES FROM THE NEW AND FLOUKISHING TOWN OF STEPHENS VILLE. 

These lands are admirably adapted for a large emigraut party, as they coinbino 
all the natural advantages that can be desired, — rich valley-land, building and rail 
timber, pure water, eligible and picturesque building-sites, and excellent build- 
ing-stone. 

Title indisputable, and terms easy. Apply to J. DE CORDOVA, Swainsou's 
Building, City of Austin. 



SUBDIVISION OF THE JOUHi JAMES 



1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 



LEAGUE AXD L.ABOR OF LAXD. 

The John James league and labor of land, which is represented by the abovo 
plan, adjoins the Kimball Block Estate, a map of which will be seen by referring 
to the previous page. These lands will be sold to sober and industrious farmers 
agreeably to the above plan, or in quaiter-sections, on the following terms : — 

One-third cash: balance at one, two, three and four years' credit, with interest 
at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum. Interest payable yearly. 
Apply to GEOIHiE B. ERATII, Waco, or 

P. DE CORDOVA, Swainson's Building, Austin. 



302 



BASTROP COUNTY. 



CHOICE AND VALUABLE LANDS 

/OOO l/s. /OOOVs /OGO i/s. /3IOVaras 



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/OOO i/s. /oooi'-.. :cJO ^c. /3/0 y.3 ^ 

THE A. MARTINEZ TRACT OF LAND OF 

ONE LEAGUE AND LABOR, 

ON THE WATERS OF CEDAR CREEK, TWELVE MILES FROM 

THE TOWN OF BASTROP. 

That valuable tract of land, situated iu Bastrop county, containing four thou- 



HENDERSON COUNTY. 303 

sand six hundred and five acres of land, and known as the A. Martinez head- 
niGHT OF ONE LEAGUE AND LABOR, situated in an improving portion of Bastrop 
county, has recently been divided into 

SUITABLE FARxMING-LOTS, 

Of the following sizes : — 

Three tracts, each containing 177 acrcs. One tract of 204 acres. 

Three tracts, each containing 156 acrcs. " " 232 " 
Twrenty-four tracts, each containing 88 acrcs. 
Eig-ht tracts, each containing 116 acrcS. 

These lands are well timbered, and are situated in a high, healthy portion of 
Bastrop county, and are well adapted to small farmers. — as the lands can be put 
into a fine state of cultivation at a small expense : pure water, for family use, can 
be obtained by digging to a depth of about thirty feet, — while in the neighborhood 
there is an ample supply of excellent stock-water. The range is well adapted for 
horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and the land for the cultivation of cotton, corn and 
potatoes. 

These valuable farming-lands are situated about ten miles from the great stage- 
route leading from the city of llouston to the city of Austin, and are distant about 
twelve miles from the county town of Bastrop, and about forty miles from the city 
of Austin, the metropolis of Texas. Every article produced on this land will meet 
with a ready sale at remunerative prices. To place these lands within the reach of 
immigrants, we have determined to sell them on the following highly-advantageous 
terms : — 

One-fourth cash; the balance at one, two, tiiuee, four and five years' credit, 
with interest at the rate of ten per cent, per annum, payable annually. 

For further particulars applj- to 

CLARK & FAULKNER, No. IG Wall Street, New York, or 
J. DE CORDOVA, Swenson's Buildings, City of Austin, Texas. 

— -» t *^14S 1 -•- — 
HENDERSON COUNTY. 

Henderson county is bounded on the north by Kaufman and Van Zandt counties, 
on the south by Anderson county, on the east bj* the Nechcs River, which divides 
it from part of Smith and part of Cherokee counties, and on the west by the 
Trinity River, which separates it from Navarro and part of Freestone counties. 

This county derives its name from Gen. J. Pinckney Henderson, a gentleman of 
acknowledged talent and sterling integrity. At an early day he took an active 
part in the affairs of the late Republic of Texas, and was at one time the Minister to 
France from our young Republic. After this he was a prominent member of the 
Convention to frame the State Constitution, and on the organization of (uir State 
Government he was elected the first Governor, and ou the death of the lamented 



304 



HENDERSON COUNTY. 



Rusk he has been elected as Senator in Congress. At the present time his hcnlth 
is very frail ; but should it be sufficiently restored for him to assume the active 
duties of this responsible situation there is not the shadow of a doubt that not 
Texas alone will be benefited by his talent and experience, but the whole Union. 

This county is partially situated in the region of country known as the Cross- 
Timbers. The soil is of a deep red color, but very productive, and as a hog-range 
is justly celebrated. 



PLAN CF HIE SI 



■p r.T"T— rf,-T 



OF Tin: 

THOMAS CARO LEAGUE OP LAND, 

IX iii:M);.u-!;>N iointy, tkxas; 




The above league of land has been divided into sixteen farming lots of two 
hundred and seventy-six acres each. These lands are finely timbered and well 
watered, and there are two public roads passing through it, the road from Athens 
to Buffalo and that from Bazett to Athens. This tract being on the line of the 
THiRTV-SECOND DEGREE, there is Scarcely a shadow of doubt that the Great 



AMOUNT AND VALUE OF PROPERTY. 



305 



Pacific Railroad will pass either directly through this tract, or iu the iuimcdiato 
vicinity of it. To parties who wish to imitc the Imsincss of stock-raising with that 
of farming, these tracts of land offer peculiar advantages. As a range for hogs it 
cannot be surpassed, as is proved by the enormous size and extraordinary fatness 
of the swine to be found in that neighborhood, which attain their size and fatness 
entirely upon the mast that is to be there found, without the aid of a single grain 
of corn. 

To sober industrious men these lands are offered at fair prices and on advan- 
tageous terms. Apply to P. DE CORDOVA, Swenson's Building, City of Austin. 



-?&#«-$€+■ 



AMOUNT AMD VALUE OF PROPERTY, 

As returned by the assessors and collectors of the different counties for the years 

1S56 and 1S57. 

ARTICLES. 1856. 1857. in vali-e. 

Laud, acres 44,110,137 4G,b74,99.T $0,694,288 

Town-lots, value 10,904,956 12,122,41.5 1,127.759 

Negroes, number 113,7.36 125,240 9,107,496 

Horses, number 188,759 218,784 1,504,820 

Cattle 1,635,507 1,999,555 1,517,357 

Money at interest 1,618,805 2,205,775 540,900 

Merchandise 1,950,755 4,814,900 853,345 

Miscellaneous 4,943,049 5,080,054 937,804 

Total value of property as returned, $173,504,205. 

AGGREGATE AMOUXT 

OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF TAXATION FOR THE PAST 
TEN YEARS. 



Year 



Acres 
Land. 



Value. 



Negroes 



Value. 



Val. Horses 
and Cattle. 



Value other 
Property. 



1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 
1853 
1854 
1855 



31,967.480 
3(1.440.201 
32.160,840 
33.890.887 
32,640.400 
37.731.774 
37.838.792 
39.175.858 
44.580.940 
45,593,869 



$17,776,101 I 
817.326,994 
$20,777,412 
$20,874,641 
$21,807,670 I 
$31,415,604 
$33,116,772 I 
$39,250,612 I 
$19,961,177 I 
$58,671,126 



31, 
39, 
40, 
43, 
49, 
59, 
68, 
78, 
90, 
105, 



099 
252 
010 
534 
197 
959 
795 
713 
012 
,003 



$10,142 
$12,174 
$13,398 
$14,658 
$17,770 
$24,240 
$28,62S 
$35,910 
$10,501 
$53,373 



198, 
593: 
490' 

887 
500] 
465| 
990| 
,473 
.840j 
924 



$2,329,378 

$3,392,784 

$4,174,475 

$4,419,015 

$5,222,270 

$0,038,115 

$•7,977,999 

$10,217,499 

$13,405,805 

$16,936,423 



$3,543,501 

$4,068,134 

$5,461,666 

$5,847,516 

$6,375,175 

$7,039,797 

$11,030,423 

$13,734,530 

$17,052,705 

$20,539,987 



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Dols. cts. 

3,609 61 
187 27 
532 29 

32 81 
253 61 

13 43 

4,315 59 

340 71 

•26 83 

4,'i02'60 

472 12 

1,581 93 

264 51 

7,868 63 

946 40 

318 11 

59 50 

1,981 14 

44 41 

6,5.56 '23 

1,214 77 

1,017 16 

96 40 

2,6V9'01 
3'29 93 
664 60 
73 86 

3,056 72 
176 91 

1,245 98 
302 51 

1,508 86 

33 55 
4,575 41 

48 16 
2,949 19 

203 40 
•2,240 17 

100 51 






Dollars, 

2,398,9'20 
124,846 
352,926 
21,873 
168,673 
8,956 
2,849,540 
227,140 
17,886 

2,"'86,7]3 

314,746 

1,053,341 

176,340 

5,^233,966 

630.930 

209,820 

39,671 

1,318,496 

■29,593 

4,353,020 

809,813 

674,680 

64, '266 

1,747,9:6 

219,950 

441.723 

49,240 

2,033,733 

117,940 

826,720 

201,673 

1,004, '240 

22,.366 

3,033,975 

32,106 

1,958,713 

135.600 

1,489,500 

67,010 


MISCELLANEOUS : 

Town Lots, Merchan- 
dise, Monej at Int. & 
Farming and House- 
hold Implements. 


Value. 

217.300 

1,000 

20,'2-26 

100 

15,033 

50 

229.120 

1,160 

3,486 

374',i73 

4.660 

127.321 

1.060 

2,234,186 

15,230 

18, '200 

315 

64,6,56 

^ 1,180 

377,880 

22,820 

•29,240 

l'4:t'.546 

470 

53,783 

660 

244,393 

1,800 

405,040 

2,553 

481,460 

296,835 

140,733 
300 

121,140 
600 











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SUPREME COURT. 313 

THE COURTS OF JUSTICE. 



SUPREME COURT. 

JOHN T. COLLINSWORTH was the first Chief-Justice of the Republic of 
Texas, but he died before the time of hoUlinj^ court. THOMAS J. RUSK succeeded 
him: his commissiou bears date February 3, lS;i9. After holding oue term — the 
first — he resigned, Juno 1, 1840. JOHN HEMPHILL was his successor, being 
elected by joint ballot by the two Houses of Congress, December 5, 1841. Under 
the Republic the Judges of the different District Courts, iu conjunction with the 
Chief-Justice, formed the Supreme Court. 

On the formation of the State Government in 1846, the Supreme Court was organ- 
ized so as to be composed of a Chief-Justice and two associates, when Governor 
J. P. Henderson appointed John Hemphill Chief-Justice, and Abxer S. Libs- 
comb and Royal T. Whkeler Ass iciate Judges. In 1852, when the Constitution 
was altered so as to permit the people to elect the Judges of the Supremo Court, 
the above-named gentlemen were elected; and again, in 1856, when the salary 
attached to this office was raised from two thousand to three thousand dollars per 
annum, these gentlemen resigned and were re-elected, with great unanimity, for 
the constitutional term of si.-s years. Abner S. Libscomb dying in the spring of 
1857, J. S. lloBEKTS was elected to fill the vacancy. 

Gov. J. P. Henderson appointo<l J. W. Harris, in 1845, as Attorney-General, in 
which office he was retained by Gov. Wood until near the close of his administra- 
tion, when he resigned, and H. P. Brewster was appointed acting Attorney-General. 
Under a special act of the Legislature, Governor Bell appointed Andrew J. Hamil- 
ton, on the 15th January, 1850, to the office; but, an election by the people taking 
place during the month of August of that year, Ebenezer Allen was elected. 
At the elections in August, 1852 and 1854, Thomas Jefferson Jennings was 
elected ; and ho was succeeded, in August, 1856, by the present Attorney-General, 
James Willie. 

William Fairfax Gray was appointed in January, 1840, the first Clerk of the 
Supremo Court, and was succeeded in January, 1841, by the present incumbent, 
Gen. Thomas Green. In 1852, Oliver C. Hartley was appointed Reporter, and 
continues to hold that office to the present time. 

TERMS OF THE COURT. 

AUSTIN, on the third Monday of October of each year: 9 weeks. 
GALVESTON, on the first Monday of January of each year: 10 weeks. 
TYLER, on the first Monday iu April of each year; till the 1st of July, or until 
be business shall be disposed of. 

14 



314 



COURT CALENDAR. 



COURT CALENDAR. 

As the time of holding District Courts is always designated as the first, second 
or third Monday after the first Monday of a particular month, we have prepared a 
table showing the day of the month on which each Monday, throughout the year, 
will fall, which we have no doubt will be found serviceable to lawyers, witnesses, 
and parties litigant. 



Mondays in 1858. Mondays in 1859. 


January 




4 


11 


[ ^^ 


25 




3 


10 


17 


24 


31 


February 




1 


8 


15 


22 




7 


14 


21 


28 








1 
5 


8 
12 


15 
19 


22 
26 


29 


7 

4 


14 
11 


21 
18 


28 
25 




April 






May 




3 


10 


17 


24 


31 


2 


9 


16 


23 


30 


June 




7 


14 


21 


28 




6 


13 


20 


27 




July 




5 


12 


19 


26 




4 


11 


18 


25 




August 




2 


9 


16 


23 


30 


1 


8 


15 


22 


29 


September 




6 


13 


20 


27 




5 


12 


19 


26 




October 




4 


11 


18 


25 




3 


10 


17 


24 


31 


November 




1 


8 


15 


22 


29 ! 7 


14 i 21 

1 


28 




December 




6 


13 


20 


27 


1 = 


12 19 


26 





THE JUDICIAL SALE DAYS. 



The Judicial Sale Days are the first Tuesday in each month, which falls as 
follows : 



1858, January 5 

February 2 

March 2 

April 6 



May 4 

June 1 

July 6 

August 3 



September 7 

October 5 

November 2 

December 7 



1859; January 4 

February 1 

March 1 

April 5 



May. 3 

June 7 

July 5 

August 2 



September 6 

October 4 

November 1 

December 6 



DISTRICT COURTS. 



315 



DISTRICT COURTS. 

The State of Texas is divided into Eighteen Judicial Districts, and the following 
are the names and residences of the different District Judges and District At- 
torneys. 

DISTRICT JUDGES. 



Districts. 


District Judges. 


Residences. 


First 


J.VMES H. Bell 

A. W. Terrkli 


Brazoria. 


Third 

Fourth 

Fifth 


R. E. B. B.4.YI.0R 

Thomas J. Devine 

A. W. 0. Hicks 


Independence. 

San Antonio. 

Shelbyville. 

Marshal. 

Houston. 

Clarksvillo. 

Victoria. 
El Paso. 


Sixth 

Seventh 

Eighth 

Ninth 

Tenth 

Eleventh 


C. A. Fn.vzEu 

Petek W. Gray 

AV. S.Todd 

Reuben A. Reeves 

Fielding Jones 

.JusiAH F. Crosby 


Twelfth 

Thirteenth 


Edmund J. Davis 

John Gregg 


Laredo. 
Fairfield. 


Fourteenth 

Fifteenth 

Sixteenth , 

Seventeenth 

Eighteenth 


M. P. Norton 

James M. Maxey 

Nathaniel M. Burford 

Ed. H. VONTRESS 

E. F. BUCKNER 


Corpus Christi. 

Liberty. 

Dallas. 

Georgetown. 

Castroville. 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 



DiSTHICTS. 


District Attorneys. 


Residence. 


First 


W. B. Wilson 






George W. Jones 

N. W. Battle 

Frank Eg an 


Bastrop. 


Third 




San Antonio. 


Fifth 


L. II. Casey 


Shelbyville. 
Marshal. 


Sixth 


Jeremiah Clolgh 

James G. McDonald 

S. R.G.Mills ; 

George Rosenbaum 

William Tate 

A. C. Hyde 




Houston. 


Ei"hth 


Paris. 


Ninth 

Tenth 


Canton. 
Gonzales. 
El Paso. 


Twelfth 

Thirteenth 

Fourteenth 

Fifteenth 

Sixteenth 

Seventeenth 

Eighteenth 


Edward Dougherty 

Charles Stewart 

John T. Enoch 

Samuel A. AVilson 

James C. McCoy 

l;. t. I'osEY 

Jajces Paul 


Brownsville. 

Marlin. 

Helena. 

Liberty. 

Dalla.«. 

Hamilton. 









316 FEDERAL COURTS. 

THE FEDERAL COURTS. 

There was originally but one District Judge of the Federal Court for the whole 
State of Texas. J. C. WATROUS was appointed Judge on the first organization 
of this court, and filled that ofiSee until the remodelling of the court in the year 
1857, when it was divided into two districts, the Eastern and Western Districts. 

The Easterx District, of which John C. Watrous is the judge, Benjamin 
McCuUough the marshal, Samuel D. Hay the district attorney, and James Love 
the clerk at Galveston, and F. J. Parker the clerk at Brownsville, is composed of 
the following counties, agreeably to their limits in the year 1852. It must be ob- 
served that the last and present Legislature have created a few new counties out of 
this region of country, which of course are attached to the Eastern District : — 
Austin county, Galveston county, Lavaca county, Polk county, 

Brazoria county, Goliad county. Liberty county, Refugio county, 

Calhoun county, Harris county, Matagorda county, San Patricio county, 

Cameron county, Hidalgo county, Montgomery county, Tyler county, 
Colorado county, Jackson county, Newton county, Victoria county, 

De Witt county, Jasper county, Nueces county, Webb county. 

Fort Bend county, Jefferson county. Orange county, 

The AVesteux District comprises all the remaining portion of the State of 
Texas. Thomas H. Duval is the judge, R. B. Hubbard is the district attorney, 
Wm. C. Young is the marshal, and Matthew Hopkins is the clerk at Austin, Mr. 
Lewis is the clerk at Tyler, Charles Coney is the deputy at Austin, and John L. 
Watts is the deputy at Tjder. 

TERMS OF THE COURT. 

There are four terms of the District Court for the Eastern District in each 
year; two of which shall be given and held at Galveston on the first Mondays in 
May and December respectively, and the other two shall be held at Brownsville 
on the first Mondays in March and October respectively. And four terms of the 
District Court of the Western District shall be held in each year; two of which 
shall be given and held at Austin on the first Mondays in January and June respec- 
tively, and the other two begin and be held at Tyler on the first Mondays in 
March and November. 

All suits hereafter to be brought in either of said courts, not of a local nature, 
shall be brought in the court of the district where the defendant resides; but if 
there be more than one defendant, and the\' reside in different districts, the plaintiff 
may issue in either, and send a duplicate writ against the defendants, directed to 
the marshal of the other district; on which writ an endorsement shall be made, 
that the writ thus sent is a copy of a writ sued out of the court of the proper dis- 
trict ; and said writs, when executed and returned into the office from whence they 
issued, shall constitute one suit, and be proceeded in accordingly. 

The present District Attorney of the District of Texas shall be the District Attor- 
ney for the Eastern Districts, and shall retain charge of all suits already commenced, 
until their final termination, unless the President of the United States shall other- 
wise direct; and the present marshal of the District of Texas shall be the marshal of 
the Eastern District during their respective official terms. 



TERMS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. 



317 



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318 



TERMS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. 



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TERMS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. 



319 



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December 

November 

September 

November 


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320 



TERMS OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. 



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TABLE TO ASCERTAIN THE MATURITY OF BILLS. 



321 



JACOB DE CORDOVA, 

LAND L0(;ATE1I AND AGENT, 

CITY OF AUSTIN. 

— -♦i3*a'«Ci-- — 

A VALUABLE TABLE 

Showing the number of days from any day in one month to the same day in any 
othiT ninnth, throuLrhiait the vear. 





>^ 














K 




c: 


>• 


« 


















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a. 






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1-3 


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O 


fes 



January.... 
February.., 

JIari-b 

April , 

May 

June 

July 

August 

Seiitember.. 

October 

November.. 
December.., 



365 

334 

306 

275 

245 

214 

184 

153 

122 

92 

61 

31 



31 I 59 
365 28 
337 ! 365 
306 i 334 
276 i 304 



245 
215 
184 
153 
123 
92 
62 



273 
243 
212 
181 
151 
120 
90 



90 
59 
31 
365 
335 
304 
274 
243 
212 
182 
151 
121 



120 

89 

61 

30 

365 

334 

S04 

273 

242 

212 

181 

151 



151 

120 

92 

61 

31 

365 

335 

304 

273 

243 

212 

182 



181 1212 



150 

122 

91 

^^\ 
30 

365 

334 
303 



181 

153 

122 

92 

61 

31 

365 

334 



273 I 304 
242 273 
212 243 



243 

212 

184 

153 

123 

92 

62 

31 

365 

335 

304 

274 



273 1 304 
242 ]273 
214 245 
183 214 
153 184 
122 153 



92 
61 
30 

365 
334 
304 



123 

92 

61 

31 

365 

335 



u 

Q_ 

334 

303 

275 

244 

214 

183 

153 

122 

91 

61 

30 

365 



Look for March at the left hand and December at the top; in the angle is 275. 

^59- During Leap Year, when the month of February is included, one day extra 
must be added. 

:^S3'' Also, to ascertain the correctness of the date of maturity of bills or notes, 
first proceed as above, then subtract the three days of grace, and add or subtract 
(as the case may he) the difference of days between the dates of the notes and of 
maturity, which will give the days for which the notes arc or were drawn. For 
ExAMPLK : — .-V. note at 60 days, dated January 9th, falls due 13th March, (as stated, 
Table I.) Look, as above, for January at the left hand and March at the top : in tho 
angle is 59, from which subtract 3, and bj- adding the difference of the two dates, 
which is 4, will make 60, the days or time for which the note was drawn. Ag.\in : — 
A note at 60 days, dated 27th February, falls due the 1st of May. By looking as 
before, in the angle is 89, from which subtract 3, and then subtract from it 26, (tho 
difference of the two dates.) and 60 will remain, the days or time for which the 
note was drawn, and so on. Thus maj' this table be used as a check against incor- 
rect calculations of dates. 

14* 



322 MERCANTILE ALMANAC. 

MERCA?fTIL.E AL-MANAC FOR 1858. 



>;' 


>> 












^ 




^M 


i 


>i 


a 

1-5 


o 


p 


< 




o 

a 
s 




< 




o 

O 

O 


o 


ft 


1 


32 


60 


91 


121 


152 


182 


s 


244 


274 


305 


335 


2 


33 


61 


92 


S 


153 


183 


214 


245 


275 


306 


336 


S 


34 


62 


93 


123 


154 


184 


215 


246 


S 


307 


337 


4 


35 


63 


S 


124 


155 


S 


216 


247 


277 


308 


338 


5 


36 


64 


95 


125 


156 


186 


217 


S 


278 


309 


S 


6 


37 


65 


96 


126 


S 


187 


218 


249 


279 


310 


340 


7 


S 


S 


97 


127 


158 


188 


219 


250 


280 


S 


341 


8 


39 


67 


98 


128 


159 


189 


S 


251 


281 


312 


342 


9 


40 


68 


99 


S 


160 


190 


221 


252 


282 


313 


343 


s 


41 


69 


100 


130 


161 


191 


222 


253 


S 


314 


344 


11 


42 


70 


S 


131 


162 


S 


223 


254 


284 


315 


345 


12 


43 


71 


102 


132 


163 


193 


224 


s 


285 


316 


S 


13 


44 


72 


103 


133 


S 


194 


225 


256 


286 


317 


347 


14 


S 


S 


104 


134 


165 


195 


226 


257 


287 


S 


348 


15 


46 


74 


105 


135 


166 


196 


S 


258 


288 


319 


349 


16 


47 


75 


106 


S 


167 


197 


228 


259 


289 


320 


350 


S 


48 


76 


107 


137 


168 


198 


229 


260 


S 


321 


351 


18 


49 


77 


S 


138 


169 


S 


230 


261 


291 


322 


352 


19 


50 


78 


109 


139 


170 


200 


231 


S 


292 


323 


S 


20 


51 


79 


110 


140 


S 


201 


232 


263 


293 


324 


354 


21 


S 


S 


111 


141 


172 


202 


233 


264 


294 


S 


355 


22 


53 


81 


112 


142 


173 


203 


S 


265 


295 


326 


356 


23 


54 


82 


113 


S 


174 


204 


235 


266 


296 


327? 


357 


S 


55 


83 


114 


144 


175 


205 


236 


267 


S 


328' 


358 


25 


56 


84 


S 


145 


176 


S 


237 


268 


298 


329 


359 


26 


57 


85 


116 


146 


177 


207 


238 


S 


299 


330 


S 


27 


58 


86 


117 


147 


S 


208 


239 


270 


300 


331 


361 


28 


s 


S 


118 


148 


179 


209 


240 


271 


301 


S 


362 


29 





88 


119 


149 


180 


210 


S 


272 


302 


333 


363 


30 





89 


120 


S 


181 


211 


242 


273 


303 


334 


364 


S 


— 


90 





151 





212 


243 





S 





365 



^SS" The letter S denotes the Sundays in each month. 

The above table is convenient for finding the maturity of bills or notes. Tho 
Index represents the days of the month ; the opposite columns give the days of the 
year represented by such day of the month. For Example : — A note at 60 days, 
dated January 9th, being the 9th day of the year, as is seen in the January column 
on a line with January in the Index, the addition of 63 (including three days of 
grace), shows the note falls due on the 72d day of the year, — which will be found, 
on reference to the month and the Index, to be Saturday, the 13th day of March. 
In like manner, a note at 00 days, dated 27th of Februarj-, falls due on the 121st 
day of the year, being Saturday, the 1st day of May. 



MASONRY. 323 

MASONRY. 

We arc imlcbted for the data on which the following is founded to a truly valuable 
work on Masonry entitled 

THE PROCEEDINGS 



gra:\d lodge of the state of texas, 

From its organization to January 19, 1857, 

By Archibald S. Ruthven, Past Grand Master, 

And the present Grand Secretary of the State, which office he has filled for the last 
eleven years. No Brother of the Mystic Tie can have a complete library without 
a copy of this work, on which an immense amount of labor has been bestowed. 
The work contains a sketch of the rise and progress of the Masonic Institution in 
Texas ; and the reports of Committees scattered through the Minutes treat many 
of them on subjects which are fraught with the deepest interest to every Free Mason, 
not only of Texas but of the world. The work consists of two volumes, and is 
issued in handsome style by D. Richardson & Co., of the News Office, Galveston, 
and no doubt will meet with a ready sale. 

IVAMES OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS 

OF THE 

GRAND LODGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS 

INSTITUTED AT THE CITY OF HOUSTON, 
December 20, a.d. 1S37, a.l. 5837. 

[The names of those who are living are in ordinary type, those who are dead in 
Email capitals.] 

Richard Baciie, Axson Jones, 

John S. Black, Henry Mathews, 

J. W. Burton, II. Millard, 

AViLLiAM G. Cooke, Ben Miller, 

Christian Dart, Andrew Neill, 

R. H. Douglas, Thomas J. Rusk, 

Alexander Ewing, John Shea, 

George Fisher, Adolphus Sterne, 

D. F. Fitch i-T, Charles S. Taylor, 

Littleton Fowler, A. S. Thruston, 

AVm. F. Gray, E. Tucker, 

Darius Gregg, W. R. Underwood, 

T. J. Hardeman, Thomas G. "Western, 

Sam Houston, Jerr. Wright. 



MASONIC LODGES IN TEXAS. 



ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ALL THE LODGES 

WHICH REPORTED TO THE 

gra:^d lodge of the state of texas 

FOR THE YEAR A.D. 1856, A.L. 5856. 



Names of Lodges 


No. 


Towns. 


Counties. 


Time of Meeting. 




44 
200 

88 

12 

196 

165 
125 

131 
112 
171 

69 

75 

129 

111 
135 

76 
98 

141 
66 

151 
23 
96 
77 

182 
13 

174 

189 

154 

128 

192 
146 

101 


San Antonio 


Bexar 


On the first Saturday. 




Saturday preceding the 

full moon. 
On the last Saturday. 












Travis 


On the first Saliirdav. 


Aquilla 




Hill 


On the Thursday nest 
preceding full moon. 

On the third Saturday. 

On Saturday preceding 
the full moon. 

On the third Saturday. 




Henderson 

Washington .... 

Gonzales 

Kaufman 

Mc Lennan 




Gay Hill 










On the third Saturday. 






On Thursday preceding 

the full moon. 
On the first Wednesday. 








Salem Church 


Austin 


On the third Saturday. 






On Saturday of or pre- 








ceding the full moon. 
On the third Saturday. 






Rusk 


On first Thursday on or 






Be Witt 


after each full moon. 
On the third Saturday. 






Smith 


On the third Saturday. 






Van Zandt 

Nacogdoches... 
Guadalupe 


On the first Saturday. 






On fourth AVednesday. 


Cibolo 


Valley 


On the third Saturday. 






On the last Saturday. 




Webberville 

Concord Church... 


Travis 


On second Saturday. 




Harrison 

De Witt 


On third Saturday. 




On first Saturday. 








On last Saturday. 




Corsicaua 

Corpus Christi 


Navarro 


On Saturday preceding 


Corpus Christi 




the full moon. 
On the first and thii-d 


Freestone 


Mondays. 
On Saturday before tho 


Cushney 




third Sunday. 
On Monday of or pre- 




Cass 


ceding full moon. 
On the first Saturday. 




Winnsborough 

New Danville 


Wood 


On Thursday of or pre- 




Rusk 


ceding the full moon. 
At or preceding full 
moon. 







I 



MASONIC LODGES IN TEXAS. 



325 



Names op Lodges No. 



DeMolay 

Denton 

Douglass 

East Trinity. 
E. J. Glover. 

Euclid 

Eureka 

Fairfield 

Flora 

Florida 

Forest 

Fort Worth.. 
Friendship... 
Gutesville.... 



Towns. 



Gillespie 

Goliad 

Gonzales 

Graham 

Grand Bluff.. 

Griffin 

Greenville.... 
Guadalupe... 
Hardeman ... 
Ilarmuny 



199 
201 

43 
167 
178 

45 
ICl 
103 
119 

40 

19 
148 

16 
197 

55 
94 
30 
20 
54 
132 
110 
109 
179 



Rancho , 

School House.. 

Douglass , 

Rockwall 

Smyrna llill 

Rusk 

Palmer's postoffice 

Fairfield 

Quitman 

Round Top 

lluntsvillc 

Fort Worth 

Clarksville 

Gatcsville 



Counties. 



Gon/.ales 

Denton 

Nacogdoches... 
Kaufman 



Time of Meeting. 



On second Saturday. 



AVheelock 

Goliad 

Gonzales 

Brcnham 

Grand BlulT.. 

Griffin 

Greenville.... 
Seguin 



On third Saturday. 

On the first Saturday. 

Harrison I On the third Saturday. 

Cherokee Onthefirst Saturday. 

Polk On the first Saturday. 

Freestone 1 On first Sat. alter full m. 

Wood i On fourth Jlonday. 

Fayette l On first Saturday. 

Walker 

Tarrant... 
Red River 
Coryell 



Roljertson .. 

Goliad 

Gonzales.... 
Washington 



Havana... 
Hcrschell . 



Hickory Grove 



Hickory Hill. 
Holland 



Honey Grove. 

Hopkins 

Hofikinsville.. 

Hubert 

ludianola 



loni 

Jackson 

Jacksonville., 



Jack Titus 

James A. Baker... 



191 
139 

184 

156 
1 

164 

180 

183 
67 
84 

93 

35 I 

108 

194! 
202 



Jefferson . 



J. F. Taylor.. 

J>'PP;' 

Kaufman 

Keechi 



Galveston . 



Havana.... 
Cofleevillc., 



Hickory Grove.. 



Houston. 



Honey Grove 

Black Jack Grove 

Hopkinsville 

Chappell Hill 

Indiauola 



.\ugusta 

Milam , 

Jacksonville., 



Red Oak Grove.... 
Ebcnezer Church. 



38 Jefferson 



169 

65 

115 

140 



I Ash Spring 

Elysian Fields., 
Iron Mountain., 

I Centi-cvillc 



On last Saturday. 

On third Saturdaj'. 

On the first Friday. 

On Saturday before the 
full moon. 

On fourth Saturdaj'. 

On the first Saturday. 

On the first Saturday. 

On fourth Saturday. 

Panola ' On second Saturday-. 

Cherokee | On the first Saturday. 

Hunt On second Friilay. 

(iundalupc ! On the first M')uduy. 

Caldwell ; On the first Saturday. 

Galveston On first and third Mon- 
days. 

Cass On second Satutday. 

Upshur On the Saturday before 

I the first Sunday. 

Smith On first Saturday after 

the full moon. 

Cass On the third Saturday. 

Harris 1 On second and fourth 

Wednesdays. 

Fannin Friday before full moon 

Hopkins On the third Friday. 

Gonzales On the third Saturday. 

Washington.... On second Saturday. 

Calhoun j On second and fourth 

Wednesdays. 

Houston On the first Saturday. 

Sabine Onthefirst Saturday. 

Cherokee On the first Saturday 

I after the full moon. 

Red River On the third Saturday. 

Walker [ On Saturday before the 

1 second Sunday. 
Cass On Friday before the 

j second Saturday. 

Harrison On the first Saturday. 

Harrison | On second Saturdaj'. 

Rusk On the first Saturday. 

Leon I On the last Saturday. 



326 



MASONIC LODGES IN TEXAS. 



Names of Lodges 



Kickapoc... 
La Fayette. 
Larissa 



No. 



Towns. 



Lavaca.. 



Leon. 



Leona Union. 

Liberty 

Lothrop 

Lyons 



Madison.... 
Magnolia... 

Marlin 

Marshall ... 
Matagorda. 
McLennan. 



105 j Kickapoo 
34 
57 



36 



193 



48 

21 

195 

126 
113 
152 
22 
7 
159 



McDonald 120 

2 

11 
168 

25 

72 
173 
204 

60 
121 
137 

37 



Milam 

Milam 

Monroe 

Montgomery 

Morton 

Mound Prairie 

Mount Calm 

Mount Enterprise. 
Mount Hope.... 
Mount Horeb.. 
Mount Moriah. 



Mount Vernon., 
Murchison 



Murival . 
Neill 



Newbern 

New Salem. 



Oasis 

Ochiltree 

Olive-Bracch . 



Orphans' Friend... 

Palestine 

Paris 



Pierce. 



71 
80 

162 
138 

97 

87 

79 

143 

26 

17 
31 

27 



La Grange 

Lavaca Calhoun 



CorNTIES. 



Anderson . 
Fayette..., 
Cherokee.. 



Stampede Bell, 



Leona — 
Liberty .. 
Crockett. 
Lyons 



Madison 

Magnolia... 

Marlin 

Marshall..., 
Matagorda. 
McLennan., 



Linn Flat 

Nacogdoches 

Independence 

Madison ville 

Montgomery 

Richmond 

Mound Prairie... 

Mount Ciilm 

Mount Enterprise 

Mount Hope 

Gabriel Mills 

Cold Springs , 



Leon 

Liberty . . 
Houston. 
Fayette... 



Time of Meeting. 



Orange 

Anderson 

Falls 

Harrison 

Matagorda . . . 
Washington. 



Mount Vernon. 
Halletsville 



N. Davis's. 
Lexington . 



Xewbern.... 
New Salem. 



Daingerfield. 

Melrose' 

Cincinnati.... 



Anderson., 
Palestine.. 
Paris 



144 Sterling. 



Nacogdoches . 
Nacogdoches . 
Washington... 

Madison 

Montgomery.. 
Fort Bend.... 

Anderson , 

Limestone 

Rusk 

Tyler 

Williamson.... 
Polk 



Titus..., 
Lavaca . 



Panola.... 
Burleson. 



Shelby. 
Rusk.... 



Titus 

Nacogdoches. 
Walker 



Grimes 

Anderson. 
Lamar 



Robertson . 



On fourth Saturday. 
On the third Saturday. 
On the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On the first and third 

Saturday. 
On the Saturday] after 

the full moon. 
On second Saturday. 
On the last Monday. 
On the last Saturday. 
On Saturday preceding 

the full moon. 
On the last Saturday. 
On fourth Saturday. 
On the second Friday. 
On the second Friday. 
On the first Saturday. 
On first Saturday after 

full moon. 
On tlie fourth Friday. 
On the fourth Monday. 
On second Saturday. 
On the last Saturday. 
On second Saturday. 
On second Friday. 
On first Saturday. 
On third Saturday. 
On second Saturday. 
On first Saturdaj'. 
On first Saturday. 
On Saturday of or be- 
fore the full moon. 
On the fourth Friday. 
On the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On second Saturday. 
On the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On fourth Saturday. 
On first Saturday after 

the full mnon. 
On the first Saturday. 
On the third Saturday. 
On the first and third 

Saturdays. 
On fourth Saturday. 
On second Saturday. 
On Saturday of t'lefull 
moon or first Satur- 
day after. 
On the Friday of or 
after the full moon. 



MASONIC LODGES IN TEXAS. 



327 



Na.mes of Lodges 


No. 


Towns. 


CotXTIKS. 


Time of Mioetino. 




203 

85 
U7 
181 

114 

40 

122 

3 
116 

190 

133 

81 

127 
63 
32 

170 

89 

106 

95 

74 

155 

118 

5 

51 

53 

177 

163 
52 
91 
70 
83 

123 

166 
14 

149 

S6 

198 
187 
175 


Newbcrg 


VauZandt 

Freestone 

(jrinies 


On the Friday before 
the fourth Sunday. 

On the first Saturday. 

On the third Saturday. 

On Saturday after the 
full moon. 

On ."econd Saturday. 


Pine Bluff 


Trov 


Planters' 


Plantersville 

Post Oak Island... 

Prairie Lea 


Post Oak Island... 


Williamson 

Caldwell 




Victoria 

Chatfield 

San Augustine 

Pine Creek 


Victoria 

Navarro 

San Augustine. 
Redlliver 

Refugio 


On Monday on or be- 




fore the full moon. 
On first Saturday after 

the full moon. 
On fir.st Wednesday. 
On the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On second Saturday. 
On the first Saturday. 
On the first and third 


Red Land 


Redlliver 




Refugio 

Retreat 


Retreat 






Cameron 






Rusk 


Mondays. 
On the third Saturday. 


Rocky Mount 


Bunker Hill 

Shelbyville 


Rusk 


Shelby 






Milam 


On second and fourth 




Georgetown 

Danville 

Sharon 


Williamson 

Montgomery ... 
Panola 


Wednesilays. 
On the third Saturday. 
Ou fourth Saturday. 
On the Saturday of or 

after the full moon. 
On the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On second Saturday. 
Ou the first Saturday. 








Springfield 


Limestone 


Spriu" Hill 




Starr 


Starrvillo 

Columbia 

McKinney 

Tyler.....". 


Smith 




Brazoria 

Collin 

Smith 

Milam 


On the night of the full 


St. John's 


moon. 
On the last Saturday. 
Ou second Saturday. 
On the Friday before 


St. Jolni's 


St. Paul's 


Fort Sullivan 

Sumter 

Dallas 




Trinity 


the full moon. 
On the first Saturday. 
Ou the last Satnrdaj'. 
On the first Friday. 


Taunchill 


Dallas 


Tarrant 


Tarrant 




Temple 

Terrell 


Mount Pleasant... 

Alto 

Texana 


Titus 


Cherokee 

Jackson 

Bell 

Polk 

Shelby 

Upshur 

.\nderson 

Jefferson 

Burnet 


On second Saturday. 

On tile third Saturday. 

On second Saturday. 

On fourth Saturday. 

On Saturday succeed- 
ing the full moon. 

On the Saturday or pre- 
ceding Saturd.iy of 
each full moon. 

On the third Saturday. 

On second Saturday. 

On second Saturday. 


Tom Blakey 

Trinity 

Truit 

Tusculum 


Beltou 




Truit's Store 

Pine-Trec Church. 

Tennessee Colony. 
Sabino Pass 


Tyre' 

Tyriau 

Valley 


Hamilton 



323 



THE METHODIST DENOMINATION. 



Names of Lodges 


No. 


Towns. 


COUXTIKS. 


Time of Meeting. 


Waco 


92 

145 
66 

18 

90 
186 
18.5 

99 

62 
158 


AVaco 


McLennan 

Milam 


Oil the Saturday before 

the full moon. 
On fourth Saturday. 
On the third Saturday. 




.loseph .Jones's 

Caldwell 




Burleson 


Washington 


AVashington 

AVaxahach ie 

Taylorsville 


Washington 

Ellis 


On the Saturday pre- 
cediuiz: the full moon. 
On fourth Saturday. 


West Fork 


Wise 


On second Saturday. 


White Oak 




Hopkins 


On the Thursday of or 
after the full moon. 

On the Saturday pre- 
cedintj the full moon. 

Ou fourth Saturday. 

On the Saturday after 
the full moon. 








AVooflville 




Tyler 


William M.Taylor 


Mount Carmcl 







THE METHODIST DEMOMINATIOM. 



When that portion of this work relating to the religious denominations in 
Texas was put to press, we did not intend to say one word concerning the 
Methodist denomination, because our information was so meagre that we belieyed 
it would be useless to our readers ; but, having obtained from " The AVaco 
Southerner" a full list of all the appointments made on the 17th December, 
1857, for the year 1858, we haye determined to insert them, knowing that this 
information will be acceptable to many of our readers. AA''e also give small 
portion of information that is in our possession, and trust that we shall obtain from 
some talented member of that sect, for our nest edition, a mass of statistical 
information worthy of a society so extensive in Texas. 

The patriarch of the Methodist Church in Texas is, we believe, Alexander 
Thompson, Esq., who was in some way intimately connected with the Colonization 
Contract of the late Sterling C. llobertson. Mr. Thompson, a hale, hearty, intelligent 
old gentleman, is still living in String Prairie, Burleson county, on the road leading 
from Caldwell to Cameron. His family, which has spread all over Texas, is very 
numerous, and he now has the rare privilege of uniting in prayer with his great- 
grandchildren. AVe believe that he immigrated in the year 1830. 

The following institutions of learning are under the control of this denomina- 
tion : — 

Andrew Female College, Iluntsville, 

Bastrop Male and Female Academy, 

Fowler's Institute, Henderson, 

Gilmer Female College, Gilmer, 

McKcnzie's Institute, near Clarksvillc, 

'VThis denomination has two periodicals in Texas, — The Texas Christian Advo- 
CATF,, a paper of acknowledged ability and of large circulation, which it justly 
merits, published weekly at Galveston, and The German Apologist, published 



Paine Institute, Goliad, 
Paris Female Institute, 
Starrville Female College, 
Soule University, Chappell Hill, 
AA'aco Female College. 



THE METHODIST DENOMINATION. 



329 



at tbe samo place, and, according to the statements of some of our friends, a very 
ably-con liu-ted paper, and fast winninj; its way to public esteem and contidenco. 
At the last Conference the sum of five thousand dollars was siil)scribed amon^ 
the ministers for the purpose of obtaining a printin<j:-prc.ss for the Texas Christian 
Advocate, and for the establishment of a Publication House at Galveston. 



Galvkston District — W. H. Seat, P.E. 
Galveston — L. B. Whipple. 

" Colored mission — to be sup- 

plic<l. 
Lyncliburg — to be supplied. 
Cedar Bayou — Geo. D. Parker. 
Houston — 

" African mission — J. Ferguson. 
Brazoria — B. D. Dashield. 
Ovster Creek and African mission — W. 

"R. Faylc. 
Richmond — James McLeod. 
San Felipe African mission — D. G. 

Bowers. 
Galveston German mission — P. Moelling. 
Houston " " Anthony 

Warren.' 
Union Chapel — Robert Kennon. 

Lagrange District — D. Morse, P. E 

Lagrange — II. D. Hubert. 

Payetteville— J. M. Baker. 

Halletsville — Quinn M. Menifee. 

Navidad — Chas. J. Lane. 

Columbus — Allen M. Bo.\. 

African mission — Wm. T. 
Harris. 

Brenham — Charles AV. Thomas. 

Bellville— John C. Kolbe. 

Egypt ind AVharton — Thomas B. Buck- 
ingham. 

San Bernard — AVm. Rees. 

Matagorda and Trespalacios — H. Y. 
Phillpott. 

Old Caney African mission — R. W. 
Thompson. 

HuxTSViLLE Dist. — W. C. Lcwis, P. E. 
Iluntsville — J. M. Wesson. 
Montgomerv and Danville — B. Garden 
Madisonville— J. R. White. 
Anderson— II. .M. Glass. 
Piantersville— J. T. Davis. 
Montgomery African mission — to be 

supplied. 
Washington — V. C. Spencer. 
Chappell Hill— F. C. Wilkes. 
Brazos African mission — to be supplied. 



Andrew Female College— T. II. Ball, 

President, Jos. B. Berry, Professor of 

Languages. 
Soule University, Jas. M. Follansboe, 

Professor of Languages, W. G. Foot, 

Prof, of Mathematics. 

Springfield Dist. — 0. M. Addison, P.E. 

SpringfieM — I. L. Crabb. 

Marliu— H. W. Soutii. 

Owenville — Tlios. Whit worth. 

Centrevillc — G. W. Burrows. 

Navasoto — J. A. J. Smith. 

Wa.xahachie — S. S. Yarborough. 

Corsicana — H. G. Garden. 

Boonville — James Reece. 

Trinity African mission — Drewry Warn- 

mack. 
Fairfield— V. H. Iley. 

Waco District — J. W. Whipple, P. E. 

Waco— 0. A. Fisher. 

•' African mission — Mordecai YelL 
" Female College, W. McLambdin. 

Belfon— R. G. Rawley. 

Cameron — Geo. S. Gatewood. 

Fort Sullivan African mission — J. P. 
Sneed. 

Caldwell— AVin. G. Nelms. 

Georgetown — H. M. Burrows, 

Hamilton — to lie supplied. 

West Ycgua — Adley and Kellough. 

Fort Worth District — J. G. Johnston, 

P.E. 
Fort Worth— W. S. South. 
Wethorf.ird— J. M. Jones and Wm. Q. 

Veal. 
Fort (iraham — B. A. Kemp. 
Meridian— Wm. L. Kidd. 
Gatesville— T. B. Ferguson. 
Hillsboro— Fountain P. Ray. 
Fort Belknap — Pleasant Tackett. 

ArsTi.v District— H. S. Thrall, P. E. 
.\ustin — Buckner Hanis. 
Austin circuit — Wui. A. Smith. 
Bastrop station — J. H. Stafford, 
circuit— J. W. B. AUeu. 



30 



TEN-LEAGUE GRANTS. 



Bastrop Female Academy — J. Conner, 
Priucip il. 

Bastrop Military Institute— R. T. H. 
Allen, Superintenrlcut. 

Bastrop African mission — A. D. Parkes. 

Perryville— A. G. M iv, Jr. 

Cedar Creek— Tbos. F. Cook. 

Lockhart — J. B. Whilenburgli. 

Perdenales — R. W. Pierce. 

Upper Colorado — Wesley Smith, Agent 
for Bastrop Militar}' Institute and Afri- 
can mission. 

San Antonio Dist. — A. Davidson, P. E' 

San Antonio — B. F. Perrj'. 

Cibolo — J. L. Harper. 

Seguin — Jno. "W. Philips, and President 

of Seguin Male and Female College. 
Gonzales — J. C. AVilson. 

" circuit — L. S. Friend. 

Helena— P. W. Hohbs. 
San Marcos — Ivey 11. Cox. 
Conference African mission — David W. 

Fly. 
Gonzales African mission — tobe supplied. 

ViCTOKiA Dist. — J. W. Shipman, P. E. 
and Agent for Paine Female Institute. 
Victoria — Daniel Carl. 
Goliad— A. F. Cox. 



Lavaca pnd Tndianola — TV. F. Hubert. 

Toxana— R. N. Drake. 

Clinton circuit and Guadalupe African 

mission — T. F. Windsur. 
Corpus Christi — .7. W. Cooley. 
Refugio — J. K. Harper. 
Live-Oak— 0. B. Adams. 
Brownsville — R. P. Thompson. 

New Braitnfels Mission District — J. 

W. De Vilbis, P. E. 
N. Braunfels German Mission: 

F. Vordenbinen. 
Victoria " Gustavus Elly. 

Industry " E. Schneider. 

La Grange " U. Steiner. 

Bastrop " J. C. Napp. 

Medina— J. S. Gillett. 
Uvalde — to be supplied. 
New Fountain German Mission — J. IL 

Shafer. 
Kerrsville — "\Vm. S. Campton. 
Fredericksburg German station — Henry 

Baur. 
Llano German circuit — C. A. Grote. 
R. Alexander, Bible Agent. 
H. S. LaflFerty, Tract Agent. 
J. G. John, Agent Soule University. 
Edward F. Twing, transferred to South 

Carolina Conference. 



TEM-LEAGUE GEAKTS, 

Made by the Government of Coahuila and Texas, to John T. Mason and 
others. 

Frequent inquiry having been made regarding the validity of the ten-league 
grants, made by the Government of Coahuila and Texas, under the laws of 1S34, in 
behalf of John T. Mason, of New York, and also those of March 14, 1835, for the 
enormous amount of eleven hundred leagues of land, we have concluded to give 
all the information in our possession touching these grants, at the same time ex- 
pressing our regret that we cannot obtain in time for this edition articles fourth, 
twelfth and fifteenth of the laws of the General Congress of Mexico of the year 
1824. 

We will extend this article in future editions; but we think the evidence here 
adduced is ufficient to satisfy all disinterested parties that it is futile to hope to 
establish any claim foundad on thj ten-lc-aguu grants. The laws produced here 
are full, ample and complete, and set this question forever at rest, — never having 
oeen annulled or repealed. 



TEN-LEAGUE GRANTS. 331 

Extract from tho proceedings of the Convention of the Provisional Government 
of Texas, November 13, 1835. 

ARTICLE XVIir. 

CERTAIN GRANTS OF LAND DCCLARED VOID. 

All grants, sales and conveyances of lands illegally and fraudulently made by 
tlio Legislature of the State of Coahuila and Texas are herebj' solemnly declared 
null, void and of no effect. 

ARTICLE XIX. 

CLOSING OF THE LAND-OFFICES AND SUSPENSION OF OFFICERS. 

That all land-commissioners, empresarios, surveyors or persons in any wise con- 
cerned in the location of lands, be ordered forthwith to cease their operations during 
the agitated and unsettled state of the country, and continue to desist from further 
location until the land-offices can be properly systematized by the competent 
authorities which may be hereafter established ; that fit and suitable persons be 
appointed to take charge of all the archives belonging to all the land-offices, and 
deposit the same in safe places, secure from the ravages of fire or devastations of 
enemies; and that the persons so appointed be fully authorized to carry the same 
into effect, and be required to take and sign triplicate schedules of all the books, 
papers and documents found in the several land-offices, one of which shall be given 
to the governor and council, one left in the hands of the officers of the land-office, 
the other to be retained bj' the said persons; and they are enjoined to hold the 
said papers and documents in safe custody, subject only to the orders of the 
Provisional Government, or such other competent authority as may hereafter be 
created. And the said persons shall be three from each department as commis- 
sioners, to be forthwith appointed b^' the house, to carry this resolution into full 
effect, and report thereon to the governor and council, and the political chiefs 
immediatelj' cease their functions. The different archives of the different primary 
judges, alcaldes, and other municipal officers of the various jurisdictions shall bo 
handed over to their successors in office immediately after their election and 
appointment ; and the -archives of the several political chiefs of Nacogdoches, 
Brazos and Bexar shall be transmitted forthwith to the governor and council for 
their dispose ion. 

Extract from the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, adopted Starch 17, 1836. 

CERTAIN GRANTS OF LANDS DECLARED FORFEITED. 

And whcrca.-i the lootcctiou of the public <loin:iin fiom unjust and fraudulent 
claims and quieting the people in the enjoyment of their lands is one of the greatest 
duties of this Conventijn; ami whereas the Legislature of Coahuila and Texas, 
having passed an act in the year 18.>4, in behalf of Gen. .John T. Mason, of New 
York, and another on the 1-lth day of March, 1S35, under which the enormous 
amount of elkven hundred leagues of land has been claimed by sundry indi- 
viduals, some of whom now reside in foreign countries and are not citizens of th* 



332 TEN-LEAGUE GRANTS. 

republic, — which said acts are contrary to articles fourth, twelfth and fifteenth 
of the laws of 182-1 of the General Congress of Mexico; and one of said acts, for 
that cause, has, by said General Congress of Mexico, been declared null and void: 
It is hereby declared. that the said act of 1834: in favor of John T. Mason, and on 
the 14th of March, 1835, of the said Legislature of Coahuila and Texas, and each 
and every grant founded thereon, is, and was from the beginning, null and void; 
and all surveys made under pretence of authority derived from said acts are 
hereby declared to be null and void; and all eleven-league claims located within 
twenty leagues of the boundarj'-line between Texas and the United States of 
America, which may have been located contrary to the laws of Mexico, are hereby 
declared to be null and void. And whereas many surveys and titles to lands have 
been made whilst most of the people of Texas were absent from home, serving in 
the campaign against Bexar, it is hereby declared that all the surveys and loca- 
tions of lands made since the act of the late Consultation closing the land-oflBce, 
and all titles to land made since that time, are null and void. 

And whereas the present unsettled state of the country and the general welfare 
of the people demand that the operations of the land-ofiice, and the whole land- 
system, shall be suspended until persons serving in the army can have a fair and 
equal chance with those remaining at home to select and locate their lands, it is 
hereby declared that no survey or title which may hereafter be made shall be 
valid unless such survey or title shall be authorized by this Convention or 
some future Congress of the Republic. And with a view to the simplification of 
the land-system, and the protection of the people and the Government from litiga- 
tion and fraud, a General Land-Office shall be established, where all the land-titles 
of the Republic shall be registered, and the whole territory of the Republic shall 
be sectionized, in a manner hereafter to be prescribed by law, which shall enable 
the officers of the Government, or any citizen, to ascertain with certainty the lands 
that are vacant and those lands which may be covered with valid titles. 

(From the Constitution of the State of Texas, adopted August 27, 1855.) 

RIGHTS OF PROPERTY AMD ACTION ACQUIRED UNDER 

THE REFUELIC. 

The rights of property and of action which have been acquired under the Con- 
stitution and Laws of the Republic of Texas shall not be divested ; nor shall any 
rights or actions which have been divested, barred or declared null and void, by 
the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of Texas, be reinvested, revived or 
reinstated by this Constitution ; but the same shall remain precisely in the same 
situation in which they were before the adoption of this Constitution. 

VOID CLAIMS, GRANTS AND TITLES. 

All claims, locations, surveys, grants and titles to land which are declared null 
and void by the Constitution of the Republic of Texas are, and the same shall 
remain forever, null and void. 



OUR EUROPEAN TRADE. 333 



OUR EUROPEAN TRADE. 

A i^rcit ch:in,^o in our commarcial relations, frau-^iit with Iho utmost importance 
to the welfare of Texas, is now taking place. Hitherto it has been the custom to 
draw nearly all our supplies of European goods from the Northern cities : conse- 
quently, we have been compelled to pay a very heavy advance on articles of this 
description to cover the attendant expenses of rcshipment and the profits of the 
parties through whose hands these articles must pass ; and at the same time our 
cotton, in its shipment to Europe through the medium of the merchants of the 
Northern cities, also pays a tribute, — thus involving a heavy loss to our citizens, 
both in their import and export trade. 

Hitherto the demand for European goods has been comparatively small and would 
not justify our merchants in importing entire cargoes; but within the last two years 
it has so greatly increased that we feel satisfied that the period is at hand when we 
can throw off our vassalage to the Northern cities and commence the importation 
of European goods direct. 

It is true that this branch of business requires a heavy capital, — a commodity 
with which Texas is not at present overburdened; but capital will always flow 
to the point where it is found that it can be most advantageously employed. From 
the peculiar position of the city of Galveston, her natural advantages, and the 
enterprise of her people, it is self-evident that that city must become the great 
commercial emporium of Texas. 

One of the most important articles produced by Texas at this time, but which 
will be but one of a large number so soon as our railroads penetrate the wheat- 
growing regions of the State, is cotton. The universal consumption of this article 
in Europe, and the heavy charges attendant upon its rcshipment, demand that wo 
should send it forward ourselves without the aid of the Northern merchants; for we 
would then get it to a market where we can obtain the highest prices in gold, 
which we can exchange for their productions on the most advantageous terms. 

To show that our merchants are awaking to their true interest notwitlistanding 
the pressure in the commercial world and the absence of nearly any thing like 
bank-facilities, we avail ourselves of the following extracts' from the weekly state- 
ments made by James Sorley, Esq., cotton-factor at Galveston, which can bo 
im[)licitly relied on: — 

1856. 1857. 
Amount of Cotton received at Galveston from September 

1st to December 12th 41,214 54,956 Bales. 

Of this there was exported in 1856. 1857. 

To Great Britain 1,222 11,472 Bales. 

Continental ports Z9S 1,027 " 

New Orleans 5.S95 8,018 " 

New York 11,655 5,928 " 

Boston 6,267 2,494 " 



334 



RAILROAD-CHARTERS. 



The amount shipped to New Orleans has been a trifle more in 1857 than it was 
in 1856, but the amount sent to both Boston and New York has greatly 
decreased. Not more than one-third of the amount they received from Galveston 
in 1856 has been sent forward to them in 1857; while to European ports we find 
that the increase has been nearly eight-fold. 



«-t-3#®<f>5 



TEXAS RAILROAD-CHARTERS FORFEITED. 

We here give a list of all the railroads chartered by the Texas Legislature, 
showing those that have forfeited their charters and those still in existence. 



Brazoria and Bernard Rail and Plank 
Road. 

Brazos and Colorado Railroad. 

Columbia, Wharton and Austin Rail- 
road. 

Colorado and Wilson Creek Railroad. 

Galveston and Brazos Railroad. 

Gulf Coast and Austin City Rail- 
road. 

Harrisburg Railroad and Trading Com- 
pany. 

Houston and Brazos Railroad. 



Lavaca, Guadalupe and San Saba 
Railroad. 

Marshall Railroad and Plank Road 
Company. 

New Orleans, Texas and Pacific Rail- 
road. 

Rio Grande Railroad and Turnpike 
Company. 

Texas Railroad and Navigation Com- 
pany. 

Texas Western Railroad. 

Virginia Point and Austin Railroad. 



RAILROAD-CHARTERS STILL IN EXISTENCE. 



Aransas Railroad. 

Brazos Branch Railroad. 

Brownsville and Rio Grande Railroad. 

Bufi'alo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado 
Railroad. 

Colorado Valley Railroad. 

Galveston, Houston and Henderson Rail- 
road. 

Henderson and Logansport Railroad. 

Houston and Texas Central Railroad.® 

Houston Tap Railroad. 

Houston Tap and Brazoria Railroad. 

Huntsville Railroad. 

Jefferson Railroad. 

La Salle and El Paso Railroad. 



Marshall Railroad. 

Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad. 

Mexican Gulf and Houston Railroad. f 

Powderhorn, Victoria and Gonzales Rail- 
road. 

Sabine and Galveston Railroad and 
Lumber Company. 

Sabine and Rio Grande Railroad. 

Sabine and Sulpluir Springs Railroad. 

San Antonio and Mexican Gulf Railroad. 

Southern Pacific Railroad. J 

Texas Central Railroad. 

Texas and Louisiana Railroad. 

Tyler and Dallas Railroad. 

Washington County Railroad. 



* Originally Galveston and Red River Railroad, 
f Originally Henderson and Burkcville Railroad. 
X Originally Vieksburg and El Paso or Texas Western Railroad. 



STATISTICS OF TUB QOVERNOIl'S MESSAGE. 335 

STATISTICS OF GOVERNOR PEASE'S MESSAGE 

TO THE 

SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. 

November 2, 1857. 

Total valuation of the assessment for the year 1856, . . . $161,194,479 

" " " " 1857, . . . $183,595,205 

1856. 1857. 

Ad-valorcm tax, . . . $242,996 88 $276,901 54 

Poll-tax, .... 22,179 00 24,225 00 

Tax on merchandise and occupation, 29.0.17 91 26,536 34 



$294,213 79 $327,662 88 

The net revenue, after deducting the expenses for collecting the same, and the 
ten per cent, set apart for school purposes, was 

In 1856, . $229,289 33, or nearly 8 per cent, over the year 1855. 
In 1857, . $255,044 55, or nearly 11 per cent, over the year 1856. 
It will thus be seen that the net revenue from taxation for the two years 1856 
and 1857 was $484,333 58, — which amount about covered the appropriations for 
those two years, including the amount.-i appropriated for the support of the Insane- 
Asylum, the institutions for the education of the blind, the deaf and dumb, and 
he penitentiary. 

Amount in State treasury on November 1, 1857, .$1,230,000 

Amount of previous appropriations not disbursed, 470,000 

Leaving an unappropriated balance of $760,000 

The ordinary expenses for the ensuing two years will be much increased, owing 
to the creation of several new judicial districts ; and the estimate for the ordinary 
expenses for the years 1858 and 1859 is about $540,000. 

Amount of school fund, $2,200,000 

1856, number of scholars, 72,826. amount disbursed, $101,538, being about $1 33 

for each scholar. 

1857, number of scholars, 87,000, amount disbursed, $106,000, being about $1 21 

for each scholar. 

These disbursements, it must be borne in mind, arc made solelj- from the income- 
fund. 

The Governor also reports that the rocn nuxniiED thousaxd acres of land 
appropriated at the last session of the Legislature for the lunatic asylum, the 

IXSTITUTION'S FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND, THE DEAF AND DUMB, and tho 

ORPHAN-ASYLuu, havo been surveyed within tho limits of tho Pacific Reserve. 



336 



SYNOPSIS OF THE COMPTROLLER'S REPORT. 



Amount of land-script sold since 1st March, 1857, has been 57,710 acres for 
$28,855, which amount has been placed to the credit of the educational fund. 

The amount loaned out of the school fund to the Houston and Texas Central 
Railroad is $210,000. 

RIVER, LAKE AND BAY IMPROVEMENTS. 

At the adjourned session of the Legislature, in 1856, an appropriation of $300,000 
was made for the improvement of the rivers, lakes and bays. The Hon. William 
Fields, of Liberty county, was elected on joint ballot as State Engineer. The fol- 
lowing contracts have been entered into under the provisions of the laws on that 
subject. 



Streams. 



Amount. 



Brazos River, from mouth to AVashington 

Colorado, canal around the raft 

Colorado, from raft to Wharton 

Cypress Bayou, from Jefferson to State line... 
Galveston and Sau Luis Bays, to Canal and 

Red Fish Bar 

Guadalupe, mouth to Victoria 

Oyster Creek, canal to Retrieve 

Matagorda Bay, Aransas and Guadalupe River 

San Jacinto, C'lopper's Bar 

Sabine, up to Logansport 

Sabine, Logansport to Bacon's Bluff 

Trinity, bar at the mouth 



$50,000 00 

36.000 00 

11,240 65 

21,298 00 

23,000 00 

22,950 00 

3,833 10 

47,600 00 

22.725 00 

31,455 25 

20,000 00 

15,120 00 

$304,121 90 



Contractors. 



French and Brown. 
W. J. Powell. 
W. J. Phillips. 
Wm. Perry. 

D. S. Howard & Co. 
G. B. Dycus. 
Abner Jackson. 
Cromwell & Ilawley. 
D. BradbeiT}'. 
Truit and Patton. 
T. M. Liekens & Co. 
D. Bradberry. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE COMPTROLLER'S REPORT 

For 1S56 and 1857. 

1856. 

Acres of Land 44,110,437, valued at $62,182,367 

Town Lots 40,109, valued at 10,994,656 

Slaves 113,736, valued at 68,389,400 

Horses 188,769, valued at 9,034,185 

Cattle 1,636,607, valued at 10,140,008 

Miscellaneous Property, valued at 10.503,409 



Total value $161,304,025 
1857. 

Acres of Land 46,874.798, valued at $08,878,655 

Town Lots 41,907, valued at 12.122,415 

Slaves 125,240, valued at 07,497,306 

Horses 238,784, valued at 10,639,005 

Cattle 1,899,655, valued at 11,657,365 

Miscellaneous Property, valued at 12,901,459 



$183,596,205 



RATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



337 



1856. 1857. IncreaBO. 

On the above there was a tax of $242,964 00 $276,663 54 $33,699 54 

Poll-Tax 22,413 00 24,463 00 2,050 00 

License and Occupation Tax... 28,993 78 26,940 18 



$294,370 78 $328,066 72 $35,749 54 

Decrease in License and Occupation Tax 2,053 60 



Increase of the Taxes for 1857 over the Taxes of 1856 $33,695 94 

Equal to nearly nine per cent, increase. 



RATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

The asterisk [*] indicates that, in cases where it is prefixed, prepayment is 
optional; in all other eases prepayment is required. 



Countries. 


Letters. 


t4 


qr. oz. 


hlf. oz. 


Austria and its States, 


*21 

*21 

39 
30 

»21 ■ 
*21 

39 
30 

*21 


*30 
*15 
*42 

»30 

*22 
*42 

33 
45 
60 

*30 
*15 
»42 

*42 

21 

5 

21 
5 

33 
45 
60 

*30 
*10 
*15 
*42 


6 


by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Baden, 

Prussian closed mail 


3 
2 

6 
3 


French mail 

Batavia, 

British mail, via Southampton 

British mail, via Marseilles 

French mail 

Bavaria, 

Prussian closed mail 


4 
8 

6 
3 


French mail 




Belgium, 

French mail 




open mail, by American packet 

open mail, by British packet 

Belgrade, 

open mail, by American packet 


2 
2 

7 


open mail, by British packet 

Bourbon, 


T 

6 




10 






Bremen, 


6 




3 










15 





338 



EATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



Countries. 



British North American Protinces, 

when distance does not exceed 3000 miles.. 

when distance does exceed 3000 miles 

Brunswick, 

Prussian mail , 

Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Canada, 

Same as British North America. 
Chagres, (New Granada,) 

when distance does not exceed 2500 miles... 

when distance does exceed 2500 miles 

Cuba, 

when distance does not exceed 2500 miles... 

when distance does exceed 2500 miles 

DSNUARK, 

Prussian closed mail 

Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

France 

Frankfort, 

French mail 

Prussian closed mail 

Bremen or Hamburg mail 

German States, 

Prussian closed mail 

(except Austria,) French mail 

Great Britain and Ireland 

Hamburg, 

by Hamburg mail, direct from New York.... 

Bremen mail 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

Hanover, 

Prussian closed mail 

Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Havana, 

See Cuba. 
Holland, 

French mail 

open mail, via London, by American packet 
do. do. by British packet.... 

HOLSTEIN, 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

LXtTENBURG, 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 



Letters. 




qr. oz. 


hlf. oz 






«10 






*15 












*30 


6 




«15 


3 


■s-21 


■*-42 






10 


2 




20 


2 




10 


2 




20 


2 




*35 


6 




«27 


3 


»27 


*54 




*15 


»30 


2 


21 


»42 






*30 


6 




*22 


3 




»30 


6 


«21 


*42 






24 


2 




*10 


2 




*] 5 


3 




*30 


6 


■»21 


«42 






»30 


6 




«15 


3 


»21 


»42 




»21 


»42 






21 


2 




5 


2 




*35 






*25 




*27 


*54 






*33 


6 




*25 


3 


»27 


*54 


2 



RATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



339 



Countries. 


Letters. 


U 

4^ 


qr. oz. 


hlf. oz. 


a* 


LOMBARDY, 


*27 

«21 
«21 

*21 

»30 
«21 

*33 
*21 


33 

*15 
»54 

«-30 
■»15 
*42 

«30 
«-42 
*22 

10 

20 

-»30 

»15 

42 

30 
30 

30 

*60 

22 

«42 

«25 

21 

5 

34 
34 

«46 
»38 
*G6 

«30 
»12 
■»42 

10 
20 

»37 
#29 


6 




3 






LlIBECK, 


6 




3 


French mail 




Luxemburg, Grand Duchy of, 


6 


French mail 






3 


Mexico, 


2 


for distances over 2500 miles 


2 


Mecklenberg, (Strelitz and Schwerin,) 

Prussian closed mail 


6 




3 


French mail 






6 


by Bremen or Hamburg 




Naples, Kingdom of. 


6 


French mail 






3 


Netherlands, The 

French mail 


3 


open mail, via London, by American packet 


2 
6 


New Granada, 

(except Aspinwall, Panama, Bogota, and Buena- 
ventura) 

Nicaragua 


6 
3 


Norway, 








French mail 

Nova Scotia, 

See British North American Provinces. 
Oldenburg, 


6 
3 

2 


by Bremen or Hamburg mail 


2 


Panama, 


6 




2 


Poland, 


6 


by Bremen or Hamburg mail 


3 



340 



RATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



Countries. 



Poland, 

French mail 

Portugal, 

British mail, via Southampton 

do. via France 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail , 

Prussia, 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Roman or Papal States, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

Sardinian States, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail , 

Saxe-Altenburg, 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Meiningenand Weimar, 

Prussian mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Saxony, Kingdom of 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

SCHLESWIG, 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

French mail 

Prussian closed mail 

Sicilies, The Two, 

Prussian mail 

French mail 

open mail, via London, by American packet. 

open mail, via London, by British packet 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 



Letters. 



qr. oz. hlf. oz 



S30 



Spain, 



Sweden, 



via France 

via Southampton 

via French mail 

by Bremen or Ilainburs 



Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail . 
French mail 



■*-60 





63 


37 


43 


30 


42 


21 


42 




»30 




»15 


«21 


*42 




«-35 


-•■■27 


«54 




*28 




»38 


»21 


«42 




no 




no 




*15 


¥21 


*42 




»30 




*22 


*2] 


»42 




»30 




»15 


-^21 


*42 




*27 


■^27 


*54 




»35 




30 


^30 


»60 




21 




5 




*22 


37 


43 




73 


21 


42 


30 


42 




»42 




«33 


33 


■*66 



RATES OF POSTAGE TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



341 



Countries. 



SWITZEKLAND, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

Tunis, 

French mail 

via Marseilles, by French packet 

Tuscany, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

Venetian States, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

VOLO, 

Prussian closed mail 

AVest Inwes, British, (except Turk's Island,) 

when distance does not exceed 2500 miles 

when distance does exceed 2500 miles 

West Indies, 

not British, (except Cuba,) 

Wallachia, 

Prussian closed mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 

WURTEMBERG, 

Prussian closed mail 

French mail 

by Bremen or Hamburg mail 



Letters. 










qr. oz. 


hlf. oz. 


^ 




»35 


6 


»21 


»42 




*30 


no 


2 


33 


45 


4 




»35 


6 


»27 


*54 


2 




*28 


3 




30 


6 


27 


54 






*15 


3 




40 


6 




10 


2 




20 


2 




34 


6 




30 


6 




30 


3 




*30 


6 


»21 


»42 






*22 


3 



POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT. 

We have bestowed a great deal of attciitinn on this p<irti(in of our work, and we 
believe that we have mado it full, complete and reliable, thanks to the valuable 
information furnished us by the Hon. Guy M. Bryan, Representative of the Western 
District, the officers of the General Post-OfBoe Department, and more especially to 
Washington D. Miller, Esq., who, with true Texian feeling, has rendered us invalu- 
able assistance, having devoted several days to comparing and correcting the fol- 
lowing tables from the records of the Post-Office Department, thus enabling us to 
publi:^h 

The only perfect, full and reliable list of Post-Offices in Texas, 
that has ever appeared in print. This list includes all changes and alterations that 
have been made up to the evening of the 25th January, 1858. 

LETTER-POSTAGE. 
The lowest rate of postage is for Dropped Letters, which is one cent each. 
The next is three cents on all letters sent out of the city, where such letters are 



342 



LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



mailed to any portion of the United States, except the State of California and the 
Territories of Washington and Oregon : to these points the lowest rate is ten cents 
each. These rates are for letters weighing not over one half-ounce. There is an 
additional charge of a like amount on all letters for every additional half- 
ounce OR FRACTION OF A HALF-OUNCE, DO matter how small that fraction may be. 

NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER PRINTED MATTER. 

The postage on Newspapers is one cent each. Pamphlets and other printed 
MATTER, one cent per ounce. In all cases the postage must be paid in advance, 
except for newspapers sent direct from the office of publication to regular sub- 
scribers, who pay at the office of delivery. 

LIST OF POST-OFFICES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 



Post-Offices. 


Counties. 


Post-Offices. 


Counties. 




San Patricio. 

Cass. 

Rusk. 

Falls. 

Cherokee. 

Denton. 

Bastrop. 

McLennan. 

Panola. 

Victoria. 

Grimes. 

Angelina. 

Lavaca. 

Refugio. 

Tarrant. 

Harrison. 

Henderson. 

Houston. 

Travis. 

Williamson. 

Van Zandt. 

Anderson. 

Grayson. 

Bastrop. 

Sabine. 

Lavaca. 

Jefferson. 

Anderson. 

Panola. 

Madison. 

Rusk. 

Austin. 

Bell. 

Gonzales. 

Lamar. 


Bethany 


Panola. 


Alley's Mills 


Bethel 








Smith. 






Jasper. 
Fort Bend. 


Alto 


Big Creek 




Big Hill 




Alum Creek 


Billum's Creek 

Biloxi 


Tyler. 












Black Oak 


Hopkins. 
Lamar. 


Anderson 


Blossom Prairie 

Blue Branch 








Bluflf Springs 


Travis. 




Boerne 






BoNHAM 














Guadalupe. 


Augusta 


BoONVILLE 


Austin 


Boston 












Brazos Agency 

Brazos Bottom 

Brazos Santiago 

Brazoria 


Young. 


Barton 


Basin Springs 




Bastrop 




Bear Creek 


Brenham 




Bearden 


Bright Star.... 


Hopkins. 
Ellis. 


Beaumont 




Beaver 






Beckville 


Bro wnsborough 

Bryant's Station 




Bedi 




Belleview 




Bellville 


Buck andBreck 


Dallas. 


Belton 


Shelby. 


Belmont 




Bun Franklin 


Bunn's Bluff. 











LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



343 



Post-Offices. 

Burkeville 

*l{unict Court House 

Burnsford 

Butler 

Caledonia 

Calloway 

Caldwell 

Camauehe Peak 

Cameron 

Camp Hudson 

Caney 

Caney Head 

Cannonville 

Canton 

Carolina 

Cakthage 

Carri/.o ■ 

Case's Mills ' 

Castroville 

Cat Spring ' 

Cedar Baj'ou 

Cedar Creek 

Cedar Grove 

Cedar HUl 

Centre 

Centre viLLE 

Chambers' Creek 

Chaniber.sia 

Chance Prairie 

Chappell Hill 

Charco 

Charleston 

Chelsea 

Cherino 

Chesland 

Cincinnati - 

Oircleville , 

Clapp's Creek , 

Clarksville 

Clayton 

Clear Creek 

Clinton , 

Coffceville , 

Coldspring , 

Colita 

College Mound 

Coltharp's 

Columbia 

Columbus 

Comfort 

Concrete 



CotJNTIES. 



Newton. 

Burnet. 

Burnet. 

Freestone. 

Rusk. 

Upshur. 

Burleson. 

Johnson. 

Milam. 

Kinney. 

Matagorda. 

Tyler. 

Hays. 

Van Zandt. 

Falls. 

Panola. 

Webb. 

Travis. 

Medina. 

Austin. 

Liberty. 

Bastrop. 

Kaufman. 

Dallas. 

Rusk. 

Leon. 

Ellis. 

Liberty. 

Burleson. 

Washington. 

(Joliad. 

Hopkins. 

Upshur. 

Nacogdoches. 

Angelina. 

Walker. 

Williamson. 

Leon. 

Red River. 

(Jrayson. 

Denton. 

De Witt. 

Upshur. 

Polk. 

Trinity. 

Kaufman. 

Houston. 

Brazoria. 

Colorado. 

Kerr. 

De Witt. 



*Generally called Hamilton. 



Post-Offices. 



Coiiano 

Copper lliU 

Cornllill 

Corpus Christi.., 

Cora 

corsicana 

Cotland 

Cotton Oin 

Cotton Plant 

Courtland 

Covington 

Crain's Mills 

Crescent Village.. 

Crimea 

Crockett 

CUERO 

Cunningham's .... 

Cusseta 

Cypress Top 

Dallas 

Daingerfield... 

Danville 

Dayton 

De Kalb , 

Denton 

Dhanis 

Dickinson's , 

Double Horn 

Douglass , 

Douglasville 

Dresden 

Dripping Spring., 

Duck Creek 

Duncan's Wood.., 

Eagle Lake 

Eagle Pass 

Earpville 

E-lcto 

Edom 

EniNBURC 

Egypt 

Ella 

Elm Creek 

El Paso 

Elwood 

Elysium 

Eiysian Fields 

Erin 

Estill's Station 

Eureka 

Eutaw 

Fairfield 

Fairmount 



Counties. 



Refugio. 

Parker. 

Williamson. 

Nueces. 

Camanche. 

Navarro. 

Newton. 

Freestone. 

Rusk. 

Cass. 

Hill. 

Comal. 

Refugio. 

Hill. 

Houston. 

De Witt. 

Bastrop. 

Cass. 

Harris. 

Dallas. 

Titus. 

Montgomery. 

Polk. 

Bowie. 

Denton, 

Medina. 

Galveston. 

Burnet. 

Nacogdoches. 

Cass. 

Navarro. 

Hays. 

Dallas, 

Orange. 

Colorado. 

Maverick. 

Upshur, 

Karnes. 

Van Zandt. 

Hidalgo 

Wharton. 

Tarrant. 

Bell. 

El Paso. 

Madison. 

Angelina. 

Harrison. 

Jasper. 

Tarrant. 

Kaufman. 

Limestone. 

Freestone, 

Sabino. 



344 



LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



Post-Offices. 


Counties. 


Post-Offices. 


Counties. 




Pauola. 

Dallas. 

Collin. 

Fayette. 

Grayson. 

Henderson. 

Bosque. 

Red River. 

Smith. 

Williamson. 

Freestone. 

Cass. 

Van Zandt. 

Gillespie. 

Rusk. 

Harrison. 

Harrison. 

Colorado. 

Cass. 

Young. 

Kinney. 

Bexar. 

Hill. 

Uvalde. 

Bexar. 

Tarrant. 

Cooke. 

Harrison. 

Galveston. 

Smith. 

Coryell. 

Washington, 

Williamson. 

McLennan. 

Travis. 

Upshur. 

Harrison. 

Houston. 

Panola. 

Goliad. 

Gonzales. 

Walker. 

Titus. 

Shelby. 

Panola. 

Liberty. 

Johnson. 

Titus. 

Titus. 

Hunt. 

Hill. 

Cherokee." 

Brazoria. 


Hamburg 


Van Zandt. 






Shelby. 




Hallettsville 




Hall's Bluif 






Harmony Hill 

Harrisbursr 


Rusk. 




Harris. 




Hartville ,.... 

Havana 








Flora 


Helena 


Karnes. 




Hempstead 

Henderson 

Hendersonville 


Austin 




Rusk. 












Hickory Hill 


Cass. 




Highland 


Collin. 




Hillsborough 

Hilliard's 

Hodge's Bend 


Hill. 




Shelby. 
Fort Bend. 






Hodge's Mills 




Fort Belknap 


Hoganport 


Tarrant. 


Fort Clark 


Holly Springs 


Wood. 




Hondo 


Gillespie. 




Honey Grove 




Hooker's 


Hunt. 




Hopkinsville 


Gonzales. 




House ville 


Harris. 




Houston 


Harris. 




Horn Hill 








Travis. 


Garden Valley 

Gatesville 


Howard 


Bell. 


HuNTSVILLE 


"Walker. 


Gay Hill 


Independence 


Washington. 


Georgetown 


Indianola 


Calhoun. 


Gilbert 






Gilleland's Creek 


loni 


Anderson. 


Gilmer 


Iron Mountain 

Isleta 


Rusk. 




El Paso. 


Glencoe 


Jacksonville 


Cherokee. 


Golden Vale 




Smith. 


Goliad 


Jasper 


Jasper. 
Cass. 


Gonzales 




Goshen 


Jena 


Bell. 


Gouldsborough 


Johns' 


Liberty. 
Tarrant. 
Harrison. 


Graham's Mills 

Grand Bluff. 


Johnson's Station... 

Jonesville 

Jordan's Saline | 




Van Zandt. 






Gray Rock 


Keechi 


Freestone. 


Green Hill 


Kemp 


Kaufman. 


Greenville 


Kentucky to wn 


Grayson. 
Anderson, 


Greenwade's Mills... 


Griffin 


Kidd's Mills 


Leon. 


Gulf Prairie..., 


Kiomatia 


Red River. 



LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



345 



Post-Offices. 


Counties. 


Post-Offices. 


Counties. 




Cherokee. 

Fayette. 

Trinity. 

Rei'ugio. 

Lampasas. 

Webb. 

Cherokee. 

Leon. 

Bexar. 

Denton. 

Burleson. 

Liberty. 

Williamson. 

Fannin. 

Cass. 

Panola. 

Nacogdoches. 

Polk. 

Cherokee. 

Denton. 

Brazoria. 

Polk. 

De Witt. 

Llano. 

Caldwell. 

Dallas. 

Rusk. 

Titus. 

Washington. 

Leon. 

Harris. 

Fayette. 

Orange. 

Madison. 

Anderson. 

Jasper. 

Burnet. 

Henderson. 

Hays. 

Red River. 

Ansreliua. 

Fails. 

Harrison. 

Matagorda. 

Collin. 

Panola. 

Goliad. 

Bosque. 

Nacogdoches. 

Travis. 

De AVitt. 

Goliad. 




Madison. 




Milam 


Sabine. 




Milford 


Ellis. 




Mill Creek 


Red River. 






Austin. 




Millican's 


Brazos. 




Millwood 


Collin. 




Milhille 


Rusk. 






Rusk. 




Mission Valley 

Montgomery 


Victoria. 




Montgomery. 
Titus. 


Liberty 




Liberty Hill 


1 Mormon Mills 

1 Moore's 


Burnet. 


Lick 


Bowie. 




Moulton 


Gonzales. 






Polk. 


Liu Flat 


Mount Carmel 

Mount Comfort 

Mount Enterprise.... 
Mount Pleasant.... 


Smith. 


Lini'dlu 


Cherokee. 


Linwood 


Rusk. 


Little Elm 


Titus. 


Liverpool 


Rusk. 






Navarro. 


Live Oak 


Myrtle Springs 

Nacogdoches 


Bowie. 


Llano 


Nacogdochc;. 


Lock HART 


Milam. 


Locust Shade 




Leon. 






Houston. 


Lone Star 


Neill's Creek 


Bosque. 
Parker. 


Long Point 




Look Out 


New Braunfels 


Comal. 


Lj'Dchburg 


Rusk. 


Lyon's 


New Fountain 

New Pittsburg 


JMedina. 


Madison 


('omal. 


Madison viLLE 


Walker. 


Magnolia 




Rusk. 


Magnolia Spring 




Austin. 


I Nr.WTON 


Newton. 


Malakoff 


North Sulphur 


Fannin. 




Lavaca.' 


Maple Si)rings 

Marion 


' Oakville 


Live Oak. 
Burnet. 


Maiu.in 


Oakhill 


Fannin. 




Odessa 


Wise. 


Matagorda 




Smith. 


McKlNNEV 




Upshur. 


McMillan's 


Orizaba 

Orchard 


Favctto. 


Medio Hill 


Guadalupe. 
Robertson. 


Meriiiian 


Owensville 


Melrose 


Palo Alto 

Palace Hill 


Gonzales. 


Merrilltown .... 


Dallas. 


Meyersville 

Middletown 


Palestine 


Anderson. 


Pamplin's Creek 


Tyler. 



346 



LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



Post-Offices. 


Counties. 


Post-Offices. 


Counties. 




Karnes. 
Lamar. 
Auderson. 
Tyler. 
Gonzales. 
Tyler. 
Gonzales. 
Hill. 
Travis. 
McLennan. 
Limestone, 
De Witt. 
Lavaca. 
De Witt. 
Grayson. 
Denton. 
Red River. 
Rusk. 
Jefferson. 
Cherokee. 
Upshur. 
Trinity. 
Fayette. 
Upshur. 
Collin. 
Grimes. 
Tarrant. 
Hopkins. 
Dallas. 
Palo Pinto. 
Anderson. 
Caldwell. 
Fayette. 
Cass. 
Upshur. 
Cameron. 
Williamson. 
Burleson. 
Harrison. 
Calhoun. 
Milam. 
Williamson. 
Bexar. 
Harrison. 
Houston. 
ILarris. 
Navarro. 
Caldwell. 
Lamar. 
Grimes. 
Kaufman. 
De Witt, 
rlcsjii. 


Providence Hill 


Tyler. 




Parkersville 


Quitman 


Wood. 




Rainey's Creek 


Coryell. 




Peach tree Village... 
Pecan Grove 


Randolph ville 


Polk. 


Red Oak 


Ellis 


Peoria 


Red Rock 


Upshur. 




Reed's Settlement... 




Refugio. 
Hopkins. 


Person ville 


Retina 


Peru 


Retreat 




Richland Crossing... 
Richmond 




Pierpont Place 


Fort Bend. 


Rio Grande City 




Pilot Point 




Pine Bluflf. 






Pine Hills 






Pine Island 


Rock Hill 


Collin. 


Pinetown 






Pine Tree 






Piney Point 


Rose Hill 




Pin Oak 


Roseland 


Collin. 


Pittsburg 


Round Mountain 


Hays. 


Piano 


Plautersville 


Round Top 


Fayette. 






Hidalgo. 


Pleasant Hill 


Rusk 


Cherokee. 


Pleasant Run 


Russell's Store 

Ruterville 


Palo Pinto. 


Pleasant Valley 


Fayette. 
Uvalde. 










Plum Grove 


Sabine Town 


Sabine. 




Salado 


Bell. 


Salem 












Sand Fly 


Bastrop. 


Porter's Prairie 


Sandy Fork 


Port Caddo 


Sandy Point 








Wood. 








Post-Oak Island 


San Antonio 




Post-Oak 


San Augustine 

San Bernard 


San Augustine. 


Powellton 


Colorado. 


Prairie 


San Cosme 


Rusk. 




San Elizario 


El Paso. 










San Marcos 


Hays. 












Prairie ville 


San Gabriel 


Milam. 


Price's Creek 




Walker. 


Prospect 


Battler's 


Comal. 









LIST OF POST-OFFICES. 



347 



Post-Offices. 



Savannah 

Scycuc 

Seguix 

Scuipronius 

Selma 

Seven Leagues 

Seven Oaks 

Shady Grove 

Shelby's 

Shelbyville 

Sherman 

Shiloh 

Shockey's Prairie. 

Sistordalc 

Smithfield 

Smithlaud 

Smithson's Valley 

Snow Hill .". 

South Nolau 

Sour Spring , 

South Sulphur 

Spencer 

Spkingfieli) 

Spring Hill 

Springvillc 

Starville 

Station Creek 

Steel's Creek 

Stephensvile 

StilTs Creek 

St. Mary's 

Strickland 

Sujrar Hill 

Scmter 

Sulphur Bluff 

Sulphur Springs... 

Summer Grove [ 

Sutherland Springs.. 

Swartwciiit 

Sweet Home 

Taos 

Tarkington's Prairie 

Tarr.\nt 

Taylorsville 

Tellieo 

Tennessee Colony ... 
Tehuacana Springs.. 

Teran 

Texana 

Theodosia 

Tid well's Creek.. 



Counties. 



Red River. 

Dallas. 

Guadalupe. 

Austin. 

Bexar. 

Smith. 

Galveston. 

Houston. 

Austin. 

Shelby. 

Grayson. 

Hunt. 

Lamar. 

Comal. 

Polk. 

Cass. 

Comal. 

Titus. 

Bell. 

Gonzales. 

Hunt. 

Red River. 

Limestone. 

Navarro. 

Grayson. 

Smith. 

Coryell. 

Limestone. 

Erath. 

Anderson. 

Refugio. 

Burnet. 

Panola. 

Trinity. 

Hopkins. 

Cherokee, 

Smith. 

Bexar. 

Liberty. 

Lavaca. 

Navarro. 

Liberty. 

Hopkins. 

Wise. 

Ellis. 

Anderson. 

Limestone. 

Angelina. 

JaL'kson. 

Hopkins. 

Hunt. 



Post-Offices. 



Timljer Creek 

Town Bluff 

Travis 

Trinidad 

Troupe 

Truit's Store 

Troy 

Twin Sisters 

Tyler 

Union 

Unionbridge 

Unionville 

Uvalde 

Vallette Ranch 

Valley 

Veal's Station 

Velasco 

Victoria 

Village Creek 

Vine Grove 

Waco 

Waller's Store 

Wallisville 

Walling's Ferry 

Walnut Hill 

Warren 

Washington 

Waverly 

Waxahachie 

Weatherford 

Webbervaf , 

Webster 

Westbro 'k 

West Liberty 

Weston 

Wharton 

Wheelock 

White Cottage 

White Oak 

White Rock 

Wiess' Bluff. 

Willow Springs 

Wilton 

Winnsborough 

Wood's 

Woodboro 

Woodland 

Woodville : 

Yorktown , 

Young's Settlement 



Counties. 



Hunt. 

Tyler. 

Austin. 

Kaufman. 

Smith. 

Shelby. 

Freestone. 

Comal. 

Smith. 

Washington. 

Titus. 

Cass. 

Uvalde. 

Denton. 

Guadalupe. 

Parker. 

Brazoria. 

Victoria. 

Jefferson. 

Washington. 

McLennan. 

Austin. 

Liberty. 

Rusk. 

Panola. 

Fannin. 

Washington. 

Walker. 

Ellis. 

Parker. 

Travis. 

Wood. 

Gillespie. 

Libertj\ 

Collin. 

Wharton. 

Robertson. 

Shelby. 

Hopkins. 

Hill. 

Jasper. 

Milam. 

Ellis. 

Wood. 

Panola. 

Gra3'son. 

Hopkins. 

Tyler. 

De Witt. 

Bastrop. 



348 



DISCONTINUED POST-OFFICES. 



DISCONTINUED POST-OFFICES. 

The following post-oiBces are generally found in the published lists of post-offices 
in the State of Texas; but they have been either discontinued or their names 
have been chanjjed. 



Post-Offices. 



Alvarado 

Anadarco 

Bascomb 

Benton 

Big Rock 

Black Hill 

Black Jack Grove 

Blue Bluff 

Blue Hill 

Blue Ridge 

Bowling Green 

Bracken ville 

Brushy ville 

Carmel 

China Grove 

Clear Fork 

Coleta 

Colville 

Cook's Ferry 

Cream Level 

Decatur , 

Deer Creek 

Duroc 

Fannin's Defeat... 
Fort McKavett .... 

Gilpin 

Gold Hill 

Grimes ville 

Griffin 

Gum Spring 

Halifax 

Hesterville 

Hickory Grove.... 

Hope 

Irishtown 

La Salle 



Counties. 



Johnson. 

Rusk. 

Smith. 

Harrison. 

Van Zaudt. 

Kaufman. 

Hopkins. 

McLennan. 

Milam. 

Falls. 

McLennan. 

Milam. 

Lavaca. 

Walker. 

Gonzales. 

Caldwell. 

Polk. 

Grayson. 

Austin. 

Parker. 

Wood. 

Falls. 

Brazoria. 

Goliad. 

Bexar. 

McLennan. 

Hopkins. 

Grimes. 

Cherokee. 

Smith. 

Polk. 

De Witt. 

Smith. 

Lavaca. 

Brazos. 

Calhoun. 



Post-Ofpices. 







Mitchell's 


Walker. 


Morales de Lavaca... 
Mount Vernon 


Jackson. 
Limestone. 


Mustang 


Lavaca. 


Navasota 






Wharton. 






Prospect Hill 


Wood. 


Prosperity 


Falls. 


Quihi 










Polk. 




Hill. 






Rockv Mills 


Lavaca. 


Round Prairie 

Running Spring 


Lamar. 

Titus. 
Gonzales. 














Skull Creek 


Colorado. 


Summer Grove 


Smith. 
Austin. 


Telegraph Mills 

Tres Palacio 


Houston. 

Matagorda. 

Cherokee. 




Union Springs 


Harrison. 


Warsaw Prairie 

AVest Point 


Kaufman. 
Freestone. 


Zavala 


Jasper. 
Gonzales. 


Zoar 



Counties. 



RED-OCHRE CLAY. 

Notes, regarding some specimens of soil sent from Texas by Rev. W. Walker, 
of the Presbyterian Church, to Professor Thomas of Philadelphia. 

From between the Sabine and Red Rivers, Mr. W. describes this as occurring as 

follows : — 



LABOR-SAVING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 349 

" It is from three to eight feet thick. On the surface, and intermixed with the 
clay, arc great quantities of silicified wood, in fragments and massive trees. 

"In and throughout the stratum are found limmonitic iron ores (a clay iron ore). 
They are generally formed like a nut, and sometimes tilled with a beautiful red 
pigment, (oxide of iron :) others, again, resemble shells. Beneath this clay there is 
about forty feet of white, interspersed with beds of tertiary clay, (some of which 
might be used in the manufacture of fire-brick.) 

" In this stratum, I am told that in digging wells thej' find logs of wood under- 
going decay, but still wood. 

" Underneath this there is a bed of lignite ; about six feet below this the diggers 
came to a spring of salt water." 

Among the pebbles which Mr. W. found in Red River — and they are few — are 
sards, agates, jasper and quartz. 

" The Red River water possesses a strong flavor of magnesia, and also a portion 
of oliluride of sodium." — A qualitative analysis, by II. G. Eckstein, of Philadelphia. 

Acids. — Carbonic, sulphuric and hydrochloric. 

Bases. — Lime, soda, magnesia and a small portion of oxide of iron. 

CajU. Marcy informs us " that the Red River flows for a hundred miles over a 
gypsum formation, from which it receives its magnesia and the disagreeable tasto 
of the water." 



LABOR-SAVING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

To no portion of our Union are the recent improvements in agricultural imple- 
ments of more importance than to Texas, which is now justly regarded as 
" the Garden State." With an almost boundless extent of the most fertile soil in 
the world, capable of producing, to an unlimited extent, almost every article 
necessary for the human family, it is self-evident that the only thing that can pos- 
sibly check her onward career is the scarcity and high price of labor. But the 
antidote to these evils is furnished to her people by the ingenuity of their Northern 
brethren in the form of admirable and cheaply-constructed portable steam 
MACHIXEUY, rendering the labor of one man equal to that of a score in the most 
laborious branches of farming. 

So forcibly wore we impressed with the importance to Texas of the immediate 
introduction of these implements, during a recent visit to 

THE FOREST AND AGRICULTURAL STEAM-ENGINE CO. WORKS, 

Nos. IG to 36 AVatkh Street, Fri.Toy Ferrv, Brooklyn, N. Y., 

that we felt it to be a dutj' to insert this article in our work, which, though it may 

be looked upon by some as an advertisement inserted by the proprietors of that 

establishment, is only a tribute to the inventive genius of our Northern brethren, 



350 LABOR-SAVING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

in producing fai-ming-implements so admirably calculated to advance the interests 
of those who may introduce them on their farms and plantations. 

This company manufacture steam-engines, boilers, sugar-mills, saw and grist 
mills, planing-machines, turning-lathes, &c., and have spent much time and money 
in practical experiments in perfecting these excellent labor-saving machines, with 
the desire to render them thoroughly practical and efficient before offering them to 
the public. 

Having recently purchased of Messrs. Fairbanks, Wilmot & Co. their several 
patents for their Independent Portable Steam-Saw, for felling trees, cross-cutting 
wood, Ac, they have commenced the manufacture at their works and are now pre- 
pared to receive and execute orders for them. 

This machine is detached from the boiler, the steam being conveyed through a 
flexible hose to a distance of from 50 to 150 feet, (according to convenience,) 
enabling it to be moved without movixg the boiler, in any direction 
from it, to the length of the hose employed, 100 feet of which has been found in 
practice to be the most convenient length under ordinary circumstances. The 
boiler is mounted on a pair of iron wheels, and is supplied with water in a safe and 
simple manner, without a pump, and can be moved by a yoke of oxen while the 
steam is up ready for work. It is constructed to burn either dry or green wood, cut 
in lengths of three or four feet, and consumes from one-half to one cord of wood per 
day, according to the size of boUer. It is made of a size to drive only one saw, 
or large enough for working two saws at once. 

The machines vary in size from a saw 3^ feet long to one 6J feet long, the 
smallest weighing about 150 lbs. and of about 5 horse-power, and the largest weigh- 
ing about 2U0 lbs. and of about 7 horse-power. The same machine saws down the 
tree and saws off the logs. lu sawing down a tree, it is thrown iu the desired 
direction, with safety and precision, by means of a wedge driven in the kerf behind 
the saw; and any tendency to pinch the saw in sawing the log is relieved in the 
same manner by the wedge. 

The machines are extremely simple in construction and management, so that 
any laboring-man of good capacity can learn in a short time to work them and keep 
them in order. Three men, with one machine and boiler, will cut from 15 to 40 
cords of wood per day ; and five men, with two machines, will cut from 30 to 80 
cords per day. The quantity cut depends somewhat on the length of the wood, the 
character of the timber, and other varj'ing circumstances, and on management, — the 
tops of the trees and the small wood being cut by axe-men, who also do the splitting. 
In cutting wood for locomotives and for stoves, the saving is greatly increased 
by cutting to the required length at once, and splitting with the axe instead of the 
maul and wedge, while the wood dries much more rapidly and requires much less 
handling to place it for use. 

These machines are also admirably adapted to the wants of stave and shingle 
makers. A slight alteration in the engine employed in the sawing-machinc, re- 
taining all its features of simplicity and portability, produces a farm-engine of from 



SLAVE AND FREE LABOR. 351 

six to eight horse-powur, admirably adapted to the wants and circumstances of 
those requiring a portable steam-power of easy application to a variety of purposes, 
such as driving a threshing-machine, corn-mill, cotton-gins, straw-cutters, pumps, 
Ac; ;uh1, in those porfious of the country in which timber is scarce, it is well 
adapted to sawing lumber for building and fencing purposes. 

The engine and a circular saw, with a pulley for a belt, are placed on a small 
frame, mounted on light wheels, so that one or two men can ruu it about easily, and 
place it at any desired point for connection with the machine to be driven by it, 
while the boiler remains 100 or 200 feet distant, thus rendering the buildings and 
other combustible property safe from the fire in the boiler. The same boiler and 
hose being suited to the sawing-machines and farm-engines, those having either 
one of these apparatus complete may avail themselves of all the advantages of the 
other COMPLKTE, by the additional purchase of the farm-engine alone, or of the 
sawing-machine alone, (as the case may be,) making use of the boiler and hose 
already owned, which are the main apparatus complete. The farm engine is also 
constructed with a small addition to the ordinary arrangements, adapting it to 
siding railroad-ties, fence-posts, and similar work, with the circular saw, and which 
is put on, when specially ordered, at an additional cost of $50. AVith this machine, 
which is run about the woods, and worked in connection with the other sawing- 
machines, the railroad-ties are sawed to dimensions in the woods, having the ad- 
vantage of the perfection and economy of the sawed tie over that hewed by 
the a.ve. 

SLAVE AND FREE LABOR. 

When we commenced the publication of this work, it was not our intention to 
say a single word upon the subject of slavery; but, la consequence of the many in- 
quiries made of us touching this subject, we have been induced to alter our deter- 
mination. 

By a wise provision of our State Constitution, the institution of slavery has been 
guaranteed to Texas. Such being the case, Texians are proverbially jealous of 
this right, and will not allow any intermeddling with the subject, directly or indi- 
rectly. This, of course, is right; for, although slavery does exist throughout the 
whole e.xtent of Texas, no man need own slaves, or even employ them, except he 
finds it to his interest. All that is asked of the non-slaveholder is that he shall 
pursue the even tenor of his way, mind his own business, and leave his neighbors 
to attend to theirs, — a maxim it would be well for all strangers visiting a new 
country to attend to. 

In all our remarks on this subject we wish it distinctly understood that our feel- 
ings aud education have always been pro-slavery. Still, though in the matter of 
the employment of slave-labor we have always made it a rule to employ it when 
we consider it advantageous to our interest, on the other hand, whenever we find 



352 SLAVE AND FEEE LABOR. 

it to our advantage, we make use of free labor. "We therefore consider that it is 
our right and our duty to throw all the light upon this subject in our power. 

We know well that, so far as Texas is concerned, there are agricultural pursuits 
that can be most advantageously carried on by the aid of slave-labor; while, on the 
other hand, there are branches in which the employment of free labor will be found 
most remunerative. This being the case, labor, like every other marketable com- 
modity, will always regulate itself; and there are few men indeed who, when they 
find out what description of labor is most profitable, will not employ it, if they 
can command it. 

As regards the sugar-region of our State, it would be the height of folly for any 
one, no matter how extensive his means may be, to attempt the production of sugar 
without the aid of slave-labor ; for there is a peculiarity attendant on the labor 
necessarily involved on a sugar-plantation that renders the employment of slave- 
labor imperative. Therefore that branch of industry is closed to all who will not 
employ slave-labor. But, as the cultivation of sugar can only be successfully 
carried on by the investment of large means, and as we do not write for men of 
that class, we shall proceed at once to the investigation of this subject as applicable 
to those branches of industry in which the amount of capital required gives every 
man of moderate means the power to prosecute them successfully. 

So far as cotton-planting is concerned on any thing like a large scale, there is no 
doubt that slave-labor will always be found highly profitable in Texas, — as it is a 
well-established fact that, owing to the salubrity of our climate, the mortality 
among slaves is very light. But the fact that those who employ slave-labor find 
that it is profitable for them to do so is no argument why free labor may not on a 
smaller scale be equally remunerative ; and we can with confidence assert that 
such is substantially the fact. The cultivation of cotton requires very little 
labor compared with what is necessary in gathering the crop. The picking of the 
article demands far more hands than its cultivation ; and, it being comparatively a 
light species of work, every member of the family — even the children, as soon as 
they arrive at an age at which it is proper for children to work — may be profitably 
employed. There is therefore no good reason why this important article cannot 
be successfully cultivated by means of free labor; although we verily believe that 
this is the only State in the Union in which the climate will admit of this branch 
of industry being prosecuted successfully by the aid of white labor. 

The vast improvements made within the last few years in agricultural implements 
have made the cultivation and preparation for market of cereals a comparatively 
light task. Although slave-labor can be made valuable in this branch of industry, 
it is our opinion that that portion of our territory which is best adapted to the 
cultivation of cereals will be settled by the farmer of small means, dependent upon 
his own labor, assisted at intervals by the employment of one or two white assist- 
ants, or, perhaps, slaves. 

But there are branches of farming in which slave-labor can be most successfully 
dispensed with : one of these is that of raising stock of every description. 



SLAVE AND FREE LABOR. 353 

such as horses, mules, sheep, hogs and horned cattle, which require more care and 
attention — and, we may add, intelligence — than is generally to be found among the 
negro race, — although we know a few such colored men as Gen. Pitts's Peter and 
Captain Ross's Olmstead, whose judgment is surpassed, so far as regards the care 
of {^nimals of every description, by that of very few white men. 

The day is not far distant when the cultivation of the grape and the manufacture 
of wine will be a very important branch of industry in Northern and Western 
Texas ; and here slave-labor will be found of but little value. This, together with 
the cultivation of the castor-bean and the manufacture of castor-oil, will have to 
be done almost entirely by white labor. To these may be added the business of tho 
market-gardener, the orchardist and the dairyman, — all of which can be prosecuted 
most successfully by the aid of free labor. 

We have employed both slave and free labor, and are well satisfied that, where 
it can be procured, the latter is decidedly cheaper to the small farmer than tho 
former. The only drawback is the extreme scarcity of the latter, which can only 
be obtained to any extent in the neighborhood of New Braunfcls and other German 
settlements, and tho difficulty of retaining it when procured. This is indeed a 
serious drawback, but one which time will ultimately remove; and the day is, per- 
haps, not far distant when the beautiful prairies in the northern and western por- 
tions of our State will be successfully cultivated by farmers dependent upon their 
own familj' labor, assisted by one or two free laborers, or, perhaps, slaves. 

The principal cause of white labor not being reliable is the facility with which 
any man of temperate and industrious habits can obtain lauds and go to farming 
on his own account. This drawback, it will be seen, is only an index of the advan- 
tages that Texas ofiFers to the industrious immigrant; for it is not long before he 
can, by the aid of industry and attention to business, become the employer, instead 
of remaining all his life — as is too often the case in the old country — a mere laborer, 
dependent on his employer; for it is certainly characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon 
race, particularly as soon as they become acquainted with the institutions of our 
country, to enter into business on their own account. 

In speaking of the cultivation of cotton, we made the assertion that Texas is the 
only Southern State whose climate will admit of white labor being successfully 
employed in out-door pursuits. Without fear of contradiction, and under a deep 
Sense of the responsibility we assume toward our fullow-creatures, we assert that 
white labor can be successfully employed in the upper portion of Texas, with- 
out any extraordinary risk of life : all that is necessary is that those engaged in 
out-door employment should go to work very early in the morning and continue 
until ten or eleven o'clock, then rest until three in the afternoon, and then labor 
until sundown, and, in addition, be temperate in their diet and sparing in the use 
of spirituous liquors and tobacco. By observing these simple rules, they will be 
quite as long-lived as they would be in the Northern States or in Europe; for 
sliould be borne in mind that very rarely are cases of consumption to be found 
originating in our State, while the effects of the climate on those who are already 



354 FRUITS, FLOWERS AND GARDEN TRUCK. 

tainted with this disease are always most beneficial, provided the malady has not 
gained too firm a foothold before their arrival in the State. 

In making these remarks, we wish it to be distinctly understood that we refer to 
the northern and western portions of Texas, with which we are intimately ac- 
quainted ; but we believe that our remarks are applicable to all portions of Texas, 
except directly upon the seaboard. 

The same course that we have recommended to the farmer should be pursued by 
those who immigrate and follow out-door mechanical pursuits. Besides farmers 
and graziers, we are satisfied that carpenters, masons, millers, blacksmiths, wheel- 
wrights and machinists would do well to pay our State a visit with a resolu- 
tion to make it their future home. With industry, sobriety and a fixed deter- 
mination to do their duty as good citizens, all who have to earn their bread by 
the sweat of their brow cannot fail in laying by a competency for old age. 



FRUITS, FLOWERS AND GARDEN TRUCK. 

Texas, besides her capability of producing bread-stuffs, beef, cotton, sugar, 
tobacco, &c., will produce, if proper care be taken in their cultivation, fine fruit, 
flowers and gai-den truck. Let those who fail for want of attention, and are skep- 
tical on the subject, visit the orchard of the postmistress at New Braunfels, 
Mrs. Benner, the flower-garden of Mrs. Judge J. A. Paschal, at San Antonio, and 
the kitchen-garden of Mrs. Gen. J. D. Pitts, at Stringtown ; and, if they can be 
convinced by ocular demonstration, they will not be disappointed. 



CARTER & DE NORMANDIE, 

COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 

CONGRESS AVENUE, CITY OF AUSTIN, 

Will practise in the Supreme Court, the Federal Court and in the District Court 
of the Fifth Judicial District. 



PHILIP C. TUCKER, JR., 

COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 355 

THE BUREAU OF IXFORMATION. 

This Institution is now prepared to give information regarding lands in every 
section of the United States, to pay taxes on lands, and to redeem those which 
have been sold for taxes. Information given of unclaimed lands and dividends. 
Old claims and patents investigated, and neglected estates regained. Statements 
of mining, manufacturing, laud, loan, agricultural and banking companies can also 
be furnished. Accounts of the value of the stock and bonds of any incorporated 
company in the country. We will take charge of lands in every section of the 
Union, pay the taxes, and collect full and valuable information concerning them. 
A corps of geologists and mining engineers are connected with the bureau, who 
will make an examination of all the lauds i>laced in our charge. The bureau has 
the papers (such as patents, deeds, deed-polls, bonds, stocks, <te.) belonging to 
many estates, of which information will be given to the heirs. 

Address PROF. W. H. B. THOMAS, 

Philadelphia Post-OflSce. 

■ ' i i W M » ' ■ 

LANDS IN FISHER AND MILLER'S COLONY. 

We would call the especial attention of capitalists to the large amount of lands 
offered by this gentleman forsale within the limits of Fisher and Miller's Colony. Per- 
haps with the exception of the lauds owned by the lion. Samuel A. Maverick, of 
San Antonio, which are not in the market, Mr. Sherwood is the proprietor of the 
largest body of lands fronting on any water-course within the State of Texas. These 
lands have been selected with great care : each tract of 320 acres fronts 672 varas 
(over one-third of a mile) on the stream, and runs back about one mile and one- 
third. The advantages of good water on each tract are duly appreciated by all good 
farmers, and will be particularly advantageous in that section of the country, as it 
is admirably adapted for graziug-purposes, its ])rairies and hill-sides, back of the 
river-surveys, being covered with fine MEZQUITE GRASS. 

GRANVILLE H. SHERWOOD, 

Of SEGUIN, GUADALUPE COUNTY, TEXAS, offers for sale, on accommoda- 
ting terms, the following lands, situated on the Rio Concho or Blue River, a 
tributary of the Colorado River. ^S*Directly on the line of the contemplated 
Pacific ilailroad.-^^ 

This river is clear and rajjid, running over a pebbly bottom, abounds in fish, 
and runs through a high, healthy and picturesque country. These surveys are all 
patented in the name of their present owner, Granville H. Sherwood, and their titles 
are indisputable and will be warranted. The majority of these tracts of land adjoin 
one situated in McDonald District, No. 1.3, in Bexar countv, and are as follows : — 
Nos. 158, 189, 197, 205, 309, 159, 190, 198, 206, 310, foo, 191, 199, 288, 311- 
161, 192, 200, 274, 312, 162, 193, 201, 305, 313, 163, 19-1, 402, 306, 312, 187, 
195, 203, 307, 315, 188, 196, 204, 308. 300, 317, 328, 338, 318, 329, 339, 319, 
330, 1859, 320, 331, 321, 332, 322, 333, 323, .337. 

57 Tracts, each containing 520 acres, equal to 18,240. 

The following tracts are situated on and fronting the SOUTH SIDE OF THE 
COLORADO RIVER, in Gidding District, No. 3, Be.xar county. 

Nos. 165 164 Nos. 324 326 Nos. 166 323 327 

5 Tracts, each containing 640 acres, equal to 3120. 



356 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



TEXAS LAND AGENCY. 



INSTITUTED IN THE YEAR 1845. 



JACOB DE CORDOVA, 
€ity of itfSustin^ 

WILL DEVOTE HIS ATTENTION EXCLUSIVELY TO THE 

Location of Land-Script, 

The Investigation of Land-Titles, 

The Subdivision and Sale of Lands, 

The Collection of Debts in Western Texas. 



P. DE CORDOVA, 



J 

ionrrpnccv and itotnvji public, 

COMMISSIONER OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF CLAIMS AND 
OF THE DIFFERENT STATES, 

(Swainson's Buildings,) 

CIT'Y' 0:F ./^TJSTIIsr. 

Will attend to the Location of Lands— the Registration of 
Deeds in the proper counties— the Payment of Taxes— the Re- 
demption of Lands sold for Taxes— the Procuring of Patents, 
and all other business connected with the General Land OfSee, 
the Court of Claims, the Comptroller's and Treasury Depart- 
ments, and the Collection of Debts in Western Texas. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



357 



LOUDEN & CO/S 

FAMILY MEDICIjVES. 



Indian Expectorant. 

For Asthma, J5ronchitis, Cold, Coughs, 
Consumption, &c., <tc. 

Oriental Hair Tonic. 

For presci-ving, beautifying, promoting 
the growth of, and restoring, the hair. 

Alterative. 

For the cure of Scrofula or King's Evil, 
White Swellings, Ulcers, Cancers, 
Female Diseases, &c. 

Indian Sanative Pills. 

For Liver Complaints, Impurity of the 
Blood, ~ Jaundice, Bilious Atfections, 
Headache, &c. &c. 



Fever and Ag-ue Pills. 

For the speedy cure of Fever and Ajfue, 
Intermittent and Remittent Fevers. 

Carminative Balsam. 

For Diarrhcea, Dysentery, Cholera Mor- 
bus, Cholera Infantum, Colic, <tc. 

Tonic Vermifiig^e. 

For the removal of AVorms. Heart-Burn, 
Indigestion, Sour Stomach, Ac. &c. 

All-Healing" Salve. 

For Burns, Sores, Scalds, Chapped 
Hands and Lips, &c. 

Pile Remedy. 

An eradicator of every species of Piles. 



FEMALE ELIXIR. 

For the removal of the various diseases to which females are subject. 

This Elixir has been compounded to meet the wants of a large portion of the 
Females of our country, who arc suffering from many diseases entailed upon them 
in eousequeuce of weakness, such as Su|)pression of the Menses, General Debility, 
Nervous Excitement, Barrenness, Intense Melancholy, Prolapsus Uteri, (Falling 
of the Womb,) a consequent irritation producing Fluor Albus, and the various 
diseases arising from these and a general prostration of the system. 

This medicine is prepai'ed from a prescription given by an eminent French phy- 
sician, and has been administered in very manj' cases for the last fifteen years, and 
in no instance has it failed to relieve and to produce a certain cure. The superiority 
of this Medicine over all other Female Medicines is, that it is purely vegetable, 
and can do no harm. The most delicate and feeble, who have suffered a long time 
with these distressing complaints, have been restored to health. 



LOUDEN &. CO.'S CHEROKEE LINIMENT. 

The original discovery, and only reliable article for the immediate destruction of the 

SCREW-WORM A]VD BLOW-FLY. 

This Liniment has now been before the citizens of Texas for over three .years, and 
has been thoroughly tested as a positive and speedy exterminator of those destruc- 
tive vermin. 

Louden & Co. justly claim the discovery of this great remedy, and until the 
present year no other Liniment was offered or known for the relief of the graziers 
of Texas; but now the unprecedented popularity of our Cherokee Liniment has 
induced — for the pecuniary reward — the proprietors of the various imitations afloat 
to palm off their worthless articles upon the unsuspecting, without regard to justice, 
or any known merit in the nostrum offered. 

Our Cherokee Liniment may be had of Merchants and Druggists in nearly 
ever}' town in Texas. In bottles with glass stoppers. 

Prepared only by LOUDEN & CO., S4 .Vrch Street, Philadelphia. 

.^sJ^See Louden & Co.'s Almanac for many valual)le certificates, and a full 
description of their Medicines, and the Diseases for which they are recommended. 
Their valuable preparations may be had in evekv town in Texas. 



358 

ABlCi\i\ LAi\ll & TM-PiUl\li A(JI\IY, 

No. 16 WALL STREET, New York. 

MYRON H. CLARK, H. D. FAULKNER. 



CLARK & FAULKNER, 

§mtXKl %p\k for tlje Sale, ^pitrtljnse tt drnljmijc of 

The payment of Taxes on non-resident Letnds-'- 

The redemption of Land sold for Taxes — the Prosecution and Settlement of Claims 

arising out of Real Estate transactions— Tiie purchase of Lands at Tax 

Sales, and the Loaning of Money on Real Estate Securities, 

TRANSACT BUSINESS IN EACH BRANCH ABOVE NAMED IN ANY OF THE 

This Agency possesses peculiar facilities and advantages for selling, 
puPv hasing, or exchanging Real Estate in any part of the Union. 

They also pay Taxes on non-resident Lands, and redeem Lands sold for 
Taxes, in any of the States or Territories. 

Their system and arrangements in each department are perfect and com- 
plete, economical and reliable. 

Persons owning non-resident lands, by calling at the Agency, or writing, 
and enclosing a description of the lands, aud the requisite amount to cover the 
taxes and commissions, may be sure i^iat their business will be properly and 
satisfactorily attended to. 

They also prosecute claims against th'= Government, arising out of grants 
of Real Estate of any description. Also, lOan money an real estate security. 

They have correspondents in all parts of the Union. The author of this 
book, J. DeCordova, Esq., is their agent and corresoondent at Austin, Texas. 

They refer, by special permission, to — 

Hon. JAMES M. COOK, Superiutendent Bank , Messrs. THOMPSON, MOHSE & CO., Bank- 

Di-paitment, Albany, N. Y. \ ers. New Vork. 

Hon. STEPHEN CLARK, State Treasurer, Al- ] Messrs. GREEN, WEARE, GRAVES & CO., 

baiiv, N. y. S Bankers, Sioux City, Iowa. 

Messrs. DUNCAN, SHERMAN & CO., Bank / LE ROY TUTTLE, Esq., Banker, Omaha, N.T. 

ers. New York. < Hon. WRI. H. SEWARD, Auburn, N. Y. 

THOMAS W. OLCOTT, Esq., Banker, Alba- 5 Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War, 

ny, NY. ? Washington. 

Messrs. JOHN E. THAYER & BROTHER,? Hon. N. P. BANKS!, Walthara, Mass. 

Bankers, Boston Mass. > Gov. C. S. MORKHEAD, Frankfort, Ky. 

Mej-srs. JOSIAH LEE & CO., Bankers, Balti- l Gov. JOHN J. McRaE, Jackson, M:sb 

more, Md. < Ex-Gov. J. A. MATTE.'-ON, Spriu»rtield, 111. 

J B. POWELL, Esq., Banker, Hartford, Ct. > Ex-Gov. WM. A. HaRSIOW, Madison, Wis. 

JOHN J. ANDERSON, Esq., Banker, St. Lou- < Hon Z. CHANDLER, Datroit. ftiich. 

IS, Mo. } Hon. ROB. C. WICKLIFFE, Baton Rouge. La. 

F. G. ADAM'S, Esq., Banker, Chicago, 111. \ Hon. C. M WATERMAN, Mayor, New Or- 

Messrs. HAERTEL, GREENLEAF&Cc, < leans, La. 

Bankers, Milwankie, Wis. J Hon C. DORWIN, U. S. Consul. Montreal. Can 



W. H. ELLIOT & GO'S. ADVERTISEMENT. 359 



TO THE PEOPLE OP THE UNITED STATES. 

The inventor of whatever saves labor or affonls increased comfort to humanity 
has been considered a benefactor to his race; and hence, as well as for the purpose 
of gain, impositions have been attempted, not unfrei(uently with success, by claim- 
ants for pretended discoveries, and to such an extent as to cast suspicion on that 
which is genuine and meritorious. Therefore, in offering to the public a prepara- 
tion calculated to relievo human suffering and prolong life, the repugnance natural 
to entering into competition with so many " humbugs" as are every day sys- 
tematically lauded and putfed by mere mercenary venders is only overcome by an 
abiding confidence in tlie efficacy and quality of the article we offer, and our reliance 
on a discerning public for a due appreciation of its merits. Medical men every- 
where have had cause to regret the frequent necessity for the use of mercury and 
its preparations in the treatment of various diseases, but Science failed to discover 
a less baneful renied^^ that would equally answer the puri>osc. In prescribing for 
his patients, the physician has frequently to encounter the mortif}-ing consequences 
of two results, — death, if the disease is allowed to take its course, or an artificial 
disease, which ruins the constitution forever and entails ui)on it numberless dis- 
orders — to which death would bo preferable — engendered by the remedies employed 
for the removal of the first. When he remembers that this last disease, which he 
has of necessity created to drive from the system one of more imminent fatalit.y, 
may induce much greater misery, he feels that the art and science he professes have 
measurably done little for the human being on w^hom, in such instance, it has been 
e.xereiscd. 

A remedy, then, which will operate as efficiently as mcrcurj-, and possesses none 
of its dangerous qualities or pernicious effects on the human economy, must be a 
desideratum; and such is 

DR. G. HOLUE'S HYGIENIC PANACEA, 

EXCLUSIVELY A VEGETABLE PKKl'ARATIOX. 

It may bo used by persons of the most feeble constitution as well as those of the 
strongest frame, with equal safety; and, furthermore, it is pleasant and agreeable to 
take, and therefore can be administered when frequently the nauseating compounds 
oomniiinly iircscriljod would not lie retained on tlie patient's stomach. 

•• ClllLUKKX ARE FOND OF IT;" and it can be ailministered to them orto 
persons of weak stomach when other medicines would be swallowed with pain or 
difficulty. It operates as a gentle purgative, carries off bile and acrid humors, 
equalizes the circulation and strengthens the whole system. Every Iiousekeeper 
and head <>f a family should have this medicine on hand, ;ind those in anj' way 
afflicted should not suffer a mmncnt's delay, but forthwith make a trial of the 

HYGIENIC PAIVACEA. 

DIRECTIONS. — One tablespoonful, to be taken at bedtime, or an hour or two 
after a meal, will generally be sufficient to operate gently : should a stronger effect 
be desired, the same quantity may be given every three hours, until operation com- 
mences. Prepared by ^V jj ELLIOT <fc CO., 

SOLE PROPRIETORS. HOUSTON, TEXAS. 
Price, $1 00 per bottle. For sale by Druggists generally throughout the State. 



360 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

BUSINESS IN TEXAS, 

The undersigned, Attorneys-at-Law, have made permanent arrangements for 
THE COLLECTION OF CLAIMS, 

Either against individuals or the Government of Texas, and attending to land- 
business generally throughout the State. 

Their long experience and extensive correspondence give them peculiar facilities. 
Letters addressed to either of the undersigned will receive prompt attention. 

GEORGE W. PASCHALL, Austin. 
J. A. PASCHALL, 1 „ a t • 

THOS. H. STRIBLING, J ''^'^ Antonio. 
References. 
New York — E. Robins, Doremus & Nixon, Trowbridge, Dwight & Co. 
Washington City — Corearan & Riggs, Richard T. Birchett. New Orleans — 
Enoch Everitt, Perkins Campbell, & Co. Boston — Loring, Eiske & Co. Phila- 
delphia — R. Patterson. Austin — S. M. Swenson. 



GRANVILLE H. SHERWOOD, 

(Of the late firm of Sherwood & Thornton,) 

ATTORNEY AND COUNSET>LOR AT LAW, 

SEGUIN, TEXAS. 

I practise in the following courts, which are held as follows, in the following 
county seats. 

SEGUIN, - - May 5th and November 3d, 

GONZALES, - April 6th and October 6th, 

LOCKHART, - - April 21st and October 20th, 

SAN MARCOS, - May 19th and November 17th, 

AUSTIN, - - June 16th and December 15th, 

NEW BRAUNFELS, - March 3d and September 1st, 

SAN ANTONIO, - - March 31st and September 29th. 

FACILITIES FOR OBTAINING EXCHANGES. 

GALVESTON.— CoMjrERCiAL and Agricultural Bank, Trcmont Street. R. & 
D. G. Mills, Corner Strand and Tremont Streets. 
HOUSTON.— B. a. Shepherd, Main Street. 
AUSTIN. — Swenson and Swisher, Swenson's Buildings. 
"SAN ANTONIO. — Groesbeck and French, fronting the Plaza. 



WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, 

Lampases, Lampases Co., 

Comfortable accommodations can be found at SCOTT'S HOTEL. Charges 

reasonable. 

FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF 

LOUDEN'S CELEBRATED FAMILY MEDICINES, 

See Pag^e 357. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



361 



A. C. COOLEY, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW 

FREDERICKSBURG. 



SAYLES & BASSETT, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 

BRENHAM, WASHINGTON COUNTY. 



DARRAGH & SIMMS, 

GEK^ERAIiAGE^TTS, 



GALVESTON. 



ROBERT W. DUNN & CO., 
Receiving and Forwarding Merchants, 



PORT LAVACA. 



WAUL & CLEVELAND, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



SAN ANTONIO. 



WILLIAMS & MENARD, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



GALVESTON. 



PERKINS & KEITH, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



GALVESTON. 



ALEXANDER H. CHALMERS, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW 

WILLIAMSBURG. 



FORSGARD & BURKE, 
Booksellers and Stationers, 

CITY OF HOUSTON. 



FERGUSON & BROTHERS, 
GENERAL MERCHANTS, 

NEW DRAUNFELS, COMAL CO. 



R. D. JOHNSON, 
Master in Chancery, Counsellor 
at La\7 and Commissioner of 
Deeds, 

GALVESTON. 



FAJTXIX HOUSE 

B¥ T. B. J. HADLET. 

Fauuiu Street, 



HEWETT & NEWTON, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



SAN ANTONIO. 



PETER MAC GREAL, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



fcEAZOKIA. 



EDWARD T. AUSTIN. 

Counsellor at Law and Notary 

Public, 

GALVESTON. 



ALLEN & BAGBY, 

Commission and Forwarding' 

Merchants, 

CITY OF HOUSTON. 



WILLIAM T. AUSTIN, 

Cotton Factor and Commission 

Merchant, 



GALVESTON. 



BROWN & KIRKLAND, 
HARDWARE DEALERS 

GALVESTON. 



MISSES E. M. & E. S. COBB, 
Galveston Female Seminary, 



GALVESTON. 



ISRAEL B. BIGELOW, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



BROWNSVILLE. 



CHAMBERLAIN <&; FLINT, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



JOHN IRELAND, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 

SEGUIN. 

L. TAFT. 
BOOTS, SHOES &. CLOTHING, 

GALVESTON. 



18 



BEISNER'S 
WASHINGTON HOTEL, 

GALVESTON. 

/a&~ Low Charges and Good Fare. 



362 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



COMAL. HOIJSE, 

By MATTHEW TAYLOR, 

NEW BRACNFELS. 

Fresh provender and careful hostlers. 

GUSTAVUS SCHMIDT, 
GUADALUPE HOTEL, 

NEW BRAUXFELS. 



I>E BOW'S 

SOUTHERN AND WESTERN 

REVIEW, 

A monthly Journal, published at 
Washington and New Orleans, 

At Five Dollars per annum. 



DENNIS NEIL, 
Fashionable 

Clothing*, Boot, Shoe, and 

Hat Establishment, 



GALVESTON. 



THE PHILADELPHIA 
SOUTHERN MONITOR, 

A Family Weekly Paper, 
Devoted to Southern Rights, 

Literature and the News. 

The Southern Monitor, besides defend- 
ing the constitutional and moral rights 
of the Southern people, holds that they 
have the same right to carry their slave- 
property to any portion of the Union as 
any other property. 

One Copy, Three Dollars. 

J. B. JONES, Editor, Philadelphia. 



THE SOUTHERN AGE 

By Mrs. Cora Anna Weekes. 

A HOME LITERARY ENTERPRISE. 

This paper will be of large size, eight 
quarto pages, and will be printed with 
small but plain type, on the finest paper. 

THE CONTENTS WILL BE 

ENTIRELY ORIGINAL. 

Terms, Two Dollars per year, payable 
in advance. 

Galveston, January 1st, 1858. 



S. B. HURLBUT, 
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. 

Pust-Office Street, Galveston. 



J. S. SULLIVAN, 
DEALER IN EXCHANGES, 

Tremont Street, near the Strand, 
Galveston. 



0. C. & R. K. HARTLEY, 

COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 

Galveston. 



LYNN & WILLIAMS, 

Receiving, Forwarding- and 

General Commission Merchants, 

Strand, Galveston. 



JAMES SORLEY, 

COTTON AND SUGAR 

FACTOR, 

AND COMMISSION MERCHANT, 
Strand, Galveston. 

BRITISH COMMERCIAL 

LIFE INSURANCE 

COMPANY, 
Capital, 5,000,000 Dollars. 

R. D. JOHNSON, Agent, 
Galveston. 



C. ENNIS, 

DRY GOODS, GROCERIES, IRON 

Axn 

GENERAL MERCHANDISE, 

City of Houston. 



E. P. HUNT, 

INSURANCE AGENT, 

Galveston. 



A. F. J A M E S, 
Commissioner of Deeds 

FOR THE DIFFERENT STATES, 
Galveston. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



363 



PTITLTP C. TUCKER. Jr., 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



CALVKSTON. 



F. II. JIKKUniAX, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



UALVliSTO.N. 



S. A. THOMPSON. 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



aALVK.STON. 



RELLIN(iER & JACK. 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 



GAI.VKSTON'. 



WILLIAM B. LEIGH, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



SA.V ANTONIO. 



JACOB W.ELDER," 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



SAX A.NTOSIO. 



THOMPSON & TOMPKINS, 
COUNSELLORS AT LAW, 

CITY OK UOISTO.N. 



WILLIS L. ROBARDS, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



CITY OF AUSTIN. 



C. W. BUCKLEY, 

COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 

Hodges' bend. 



THOMAS HARRISON, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 

WACO. .MCI.KNNAN CulNTY'. 



WIT,LTAM S. GLASS, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 

VICTOltlA. 



JAME.^ C. WALKER, 
COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 



FAIHKIKLD. 



.L A. SALTER. 

HOUSE-FURNISHING 

WAREROOMS, 

Tremont Street, Galveston. 



JOHN SITACKLEFORD & CO. 
Cotton Factors and Merchants, 

GAI.VKSTO.V. 



WILLIAM M. ARMSTRONG & BRO. 

BOOKSEl^LERS, 

GALVESTON. 

Agents for De Cordova's Map of Texas. 



BRIGGS & YARD, 

Fashionable 

CT^OTHING, BOOTS, 

HATS, AND GENTLEMEN'S 

FANCY DRY GOODS, 

GALVESTON. 



SAMPSON & HENDRICKS, 

DEALERS IN 

STAPLEAND FANCY 

DRY GOODS, 

Groceries, Clothing', Hardware, 
Plantation Supplies, &c. 

CITY OF AUSTIN. 



C. SHARPS' 

Patent Breech-loading- and 

Self-priming' 

PISTOLS, 

Manufactured and sold by 
C. SHARPS & CO., 

FAIRMOUNT UIFLE WORKS, 

Philadelphia. 

This arm combines simplicity of con- 
struction, rapidity of firing and extra- 
ordinary range, with perfect accuracy 
and unequalled safety. The barrel and 
moving parts are of cast-steel, and so 
wrought and finished as to insure their 
excellence and durability. The arm will 
admit but one charge at a time, and ob- 
viates the objection to aU magazine or 
cylinder guns. 



DE BOW'S 

INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES 

OF THE 

SOUTH AND AV E S T, 
Three large vols.— Price $6. 



364 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

FRAXCIS T. DUFFAU, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 

DRUGS; MEDICINES, PERFUMERY^ 

PURE LIQUORS FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES, 

Sauces, Pickles and Preserves, 

PAINTS AND PAINTING MATERIALS, 

BOOKS AND STATIO:PfERY. 

SWENSON'S BUILDINGS, 

CITY OF AUSTIN. 

Every article oflfered for sale is of the very best quality, having been selected 
with the greatest care. 

In addition to the above will be found all 

THE MOST POPULAR 

PATENT MEDICINES. 



L. JOHNSON & CO.'S 

TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY, 



SANSOM STREET, ABOVE SIXTH, 
PHILADELPHIA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 365 

LYOWS PATENT PEN HOLDER, 

UNRIVALLED FOR ITS 
Utility, neatness, economy, simplicity, convenience and durability, 

MAMFACTIUEU AND FOK SALE BY 

T. KEXTOX LYON, 

Richmond, Virg-inia. 

SAMUEL G. POWELL. A. S. RUTIIVEN. 

POAVEI.L & RUTHVEX, 

COTTON FACTORS AND GENERAL FORWARDING 

A.ND 

GALVESTON, TEXAS. 

Particular attention paid to the sale or shipment of produce. 
Account sales promptly rendered. 

Cash advances made on all consignments, either for sale or shipment. 
Produce sent to our address will bo covered by open policy of insurance at the 
ruling rates of premium. 

-^**-3M4€ i ♦- — 

KIMBAI.1^ BEND, 

On the River Brazos, cig-ht miles from Fort Graham, on the line 
of the thirty-second degree, 

CONTAINING 29,500 ACRES. 

This valuable property, which fronts the river Bra/.os a diftanco of over THinTT 
MILES, I am instructed by the proprietor to offer for sale in tracts to suit pur- 
chasers. These lands cannot be surpassed in Texas, and are too generally known to 
need any description, and, should the Pacific Railroad ever be built, will increase 
in value to an enormous price. Alternate farms only will be sold, as the pro- 
prietor is aware that the remaining portion of the land will be worth tenfold so 
soon as the remainder of the land is in cultivation : he will therefore sell at a 
reason.able price, and on advantageous terms. Apply to 

J DE CORDOVA, General Land Agent, City of Austin. 



366 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

IIXIIYIEDIilTE DESTR;UCTI0N 

OF THE SCRE\^ -\\ ORM AND BLOW-FLY. 



JAYNE'S LINIMEJVT: 

OR COUNTER-IRRITANT. 

This article, in addition to its great virtues as an external application to the 
human body, for the Cure of Sprains, Bruises, Soke Throat, Quinsy, Pains 
AND Soreness in the Bones, Rheumatism, &o., is a never-failing destroyer of 
those AVoR.MS which are generated and live between the skin and flesh of various 
domestic cattle. 

It has been used by some of the largest graziers and drovers in Texas and 
Louisiana, and in no instance has it been known to fail in preventing the attacks 
of the Blow-Fly, or in destroying the Screw- Worm. 

Thousands of cattle may be saved annually from the ravages of this destructive 
Worm by the use of JAYNE'S LINIMENT. 

One application of the LINIMENT will at once destroy the 'WoRjr. 

We append a few certificates of its great value for exterminating this dreadful pest. 



Extract from a Letter from Messrs. METZ & TOLIVER, Merchants, Columbus, 
Texas, dated September 2, 1854. 
DR. DAVID JAYNE— Dear Sir:— Y'our LINIMENT is found to be the best 
remedy for killing Worms in Live Stock that stock-raisers can find. It kills the 
Worm in an instant, and prevents the Fly from troubling the Wound any more. 
The stock-raisers formerly used Calomel, but now they find your LINIMENT is 

BY far the best. 



L.i Grange, Fayette Co., Texas, June 30, 1855. 
DR. D. JAYNE & SON, Philadelphia— Gentlemen :— This is to certify that I 
have used your LINIMENT for killing Screw-Worm in stock, — a worm so injuri- 
ous to the stock of Southern planters, — and found it superior to Calomel, or any 
other preparation known, being safer in its eilects, and easier to applv. 

Truly yours, J. POTTER. 

ROBERT JANSSEN, Agent. 

Madison, Texas, November 10, 1855. 
The undersigned, citizens of Orange county, do hereby certif}' that we have used 
DR. JAY'NE'S LINIMENT, with the greatest success, for destroying the " Screw- 
Worm" in stock. We had previously tried every means known to us, without suc- 
cess, until we used this LINIMENT, and found it reallj- invaluable in exterminating 
these Worms, which annually destroy such large numbers of our horses, cattle, 
hogs, Ac. It not only kills the ^Vorms, but by a few applications heals the wounds; 
and we cordially recommend it to the public generally, and especially to stock- 
raisers and farmers, not only as an excellent article for the above, but also for 
bruises and sprains, either on men or animals. 

C. II. SAXON, GILBERT BERWICK, 

W. II. McKNIGIIT, T. C. BERWICK, 

II. OCHILTREE & CO. AVM. BERWICK. 
J. S. CARTER, 



,^tr-This Preparation, with all of DR. D. JAYNE"S CELEBRATED FAMILY 
MEDICINES, to be had of any of the Agents throughout the State. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 367 

J. B. HOGAX'S HOTEL, 

CITY OF HOUSTON. 

Persons travelling bj' Steamboat or Stages can be accommodated at all times of 
the day or night. 

THE WESTERN STAGE LINE, 

BY WAY OF 

WASHINGTON, LA GRANGE AND AUSTIN, ONTO SAN ANTONIO, and 
THE EASTERN LINE, 

BY WAV OF 

MONTGOMERY, HUNTSVILLE, CROCKETT, on to EASTERN TEXAS, 
stop at this hotel, and run in connection with the Mail-Boat for Galveston and 
Houston. J. B. HOGAN, Proprietor. 



ISLAND CITY HOUSE, 

Adjoining'^thc Court-Housc Square, Galveston, 

SI DXEV SHERMAN— Proprietor, 
Is now open for the reception of Transient an<l Permanent P>oarders, where they 
will find pleasant rooms, efficient servants, and a table presenting the delicaciea 
of the season, with the best the market affords. 



M. H. BOVVERS, 

ATTORNEY AT LAW, 

OFFICE ON CONGRESS AVEXUE, 

CITT OF AUSTIN, TEXAS. 



CERTIFICATES AND WARRANTS 

Will bo bought at the market rates, or carefully located, liy 

P. DE CORDOVA, Swenson's Building, City of Austin. 



J. PLANT & J. HUSNALL, 

RECErVING, FORWARDING AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS, 
LAVACA, TEXAS, 
Will make liberal advances on Consignments to Messrs. Brodie & Pettes, or 
Plant Bros., New York, or to their friends in New Oi'loans. N.B. — Groceries and 
plantation-supplies furnished for cotton or other produce. 

Particular attention paid to the sale or shipment of produce. Accounts of sales 
promptly rendered. Cash advances made ou all consignments, either for sale or 
shipment. Produce sent to our address will be covered b\- open policy of- insu- 
rauoe at the ruling rates of premium. 

















CALENDAR FOR 1857. 


















1 


1 


1 






* 

a 




f 




1 

5^ 


■1 
a 






■1 


1^ 

1 




1 
1 


1 




Si 


s 






Jan. 


4 


5 


"e 


"i 


1 
8 


2 

9 


3 

10 


laj 










1 
8 


2 
9 


Sept. 


"e 


"7 


1 

8 


2 
9 


3 
10 


4 
11 


5 

12 


3 


4 


5 6 


7 




11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 




10 


11 


12 13 


14 


15 


16 




13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


19 




18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 




17 


18 


19 20 


21 


22 


23 




20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 




25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 


31 




24 


25 


26 27 


28 


29 


30 




27 


28 


29 


30 








Feb. 
















June 


31 












Oct. 


4 


"5 


"e 


"7 


1 

8 


2 
9 


3 
10 


1 


2 


3 


4 


6 


6 


7 


1 


2 3 


4 


5 


6 




8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14 




7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 




11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 




15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21 




14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 




18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 




22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


28 




21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 




25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 


31 


Mar. 














j 


Julj 


28 


29 


30 


"i 


"2 


"3 


"4 


Nor 
















1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7i 


1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 




8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


141 


5 6 


/ 


8 


9 10 


11 




8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14 




15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21; 




12 13 


14 


15 


16117 


18 


! 


16 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21 




22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


281 




19 20 


21 


22 


23124 


25 




22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


28 


April 


29 
5 


30 
6 


31 

"i 


1 

8 


"2 
9 


3 
10 


41 
11 


Aug. 


2(5127 


28 


29 


30 31 


"i 

8 


Dec. 


29 

"e 


30 
"7 
















1 
8 


2 
9 


3 
10 


4 
11 


5I 
I2I 


21 3 


4 


5 


6 


7 




12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 




9 10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 




13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


19 




19120 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 




16 17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 




20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 




26j27 


28 


29 


.•^.0 








23 24 

3(ll31 


25 26 27 

...L.J... 


28 


29 

... 




27 


28 


29 


30 


31 


... 

















CALENDAR 


FOR 


1858. 




















■a 


"2 




i 






*; 


?5 






1 




1^ 

"8 




6 


■1 


•f 


&: 
1 




"5 






















































^ 


S^ 


e; 


^ 


K ^ 


^ ll 


^ 


< 


S 


^ 


?; 


^ 


^ 




=c 


^ 


e; 


^ 


t; 




=? 




Inn 










... 1 


2||May 














1 


Sept. 








1 


9 


S 


4 






3 


4 


6 


6 


7 8 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 






10 


11 


12 


13 


14:15 


161 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


16 




12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 






17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23, 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 




19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


26 






24 


25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 1 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


28 


29 




26 


27 


28 


29 


30 








Fob. 


31 














1 
June 


30 


31 












Oct. 












1 
8 


2 

9 




1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 






7 


8 


9 


10 


11|12 


13 




6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 




10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 






14:15 


16 


17 


18ll9 


20 




13 


14 


16 


16 


17 


18 


191 




17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 






21 


22 


23 


24 


25 26 


27 




20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 




24 


25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 




.Mar. 


28 








j 




July 


27 


28 


29 


30 


"i 


2 






31 
















1 


2 


8 


4} 5 


6 


3 Not. 


1 





3 


4 


6 


6 






7 


8 


9 10 


11 12 


13 




4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 I 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 






14 


15 


16 17 


18 


19 


20 




11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


171 


14 


16 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 






21 


22 


23 24 


25 


26 


27 j 




18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24' 


21 


22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 






28 


29 


30 31 










25 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 


31 ! 


28 


29 


30 












April 








1 


? 


3 
















... [ Dec 








1 





S 


4 




4 


5 


6 7 


8 


9 


10 


Auf. 


1 


2 


3 


4 


6 


6 


7ii 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


11 






11 


12 


13 14 


15116 


17 




8 


9 


10 


11 


12 


13 


14: 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 






18 19 


20 21 


22 23 


24 




15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


211 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


24 


26 






25 26 


27i28 


29 30 






22 


23 


24 


25 


26 


27 


28 1 


26 


27 


28 


29 


30 


31 






i 




' 


_ — 


— 




29 1 


30 


31 


i^'- 


'J^i. 


111 


mi 


















J 





INDEX. 



369 



IIVDE X. 



Acknowledgments, Form of 

Advertislments. 

Armstrong, Wm. M., Gal- 
veston 

Beisner's Hotel, Galveston... 

Briggs & Yard, Galveston.... 

British Commercial Insur- 
ance 

Brown & Kirkland, Galves- 
ton 

Bureau of Information 

Certificates and Warrants.... 

Clark & Faulkner 

Cobb, E. M. & E. S., Galves- 
ton 

Comal House, New Braunfels 

Darragh & Simms 

De Bow's Industrial Resources 

De Bow's Magazine, New Or- 
leans 

Dr. D. Jayue's Medicines, 
Philadelphia 

Duffau, F. T., Austin 

Dunn, Robt. W., Lavaca 

Elliot, Dr. W. H., Houston.. 

Ennis, C, Houston 

Fannin House, Houston 

Ferguson & Brothers, New 
Braunfels 

Fisher & Miller's Colony 
Lands 

Forsgard & Burke 

Iladley, T. B., Houston 

Ilogan's Hotel, Houston 

Uousc-Furnishing Ware- 
roums, Galveston 

Hurlbut. S. B., Galveston.... 

Hygienic Panacea, Houston 

Island City Hotel, Galveston 

James, A. F., Galveston 

Johnson, L., & Co 

Johnson, R. D.. Galveston... 

Kimball Bend Estate 

Louden & Co.'s Medicines, 
Philadelphia 

Lynn & AVillianis, Galveston 

Lyuu's Puteut Peu-IIolder... 



12 Advertisements. 

Merriman, F. H 363 

Neil, Dennis, Galveston 362 

363 Paschall & Co., San Antonio 360 

361 Pistol-Factory, Sharps' 363 

363 Plant & Hudnell, Lavaca.... 367 

Powell <t Ruth ven, Galveston 365 

362 Rifle-Factory, Sharps', Phila- 

delphia 363 

361 Sampson & Uendi-icks, Aus- 

355 tin 363 

367 Sauter, J. A., Galveston 363 

358 Shackleford, J. & Co., Gal- 

veston 363 

361 Sharps <fe Co., Philada 363 

362 Sherman, Sidney, Galveston 354- 

361 : Sherwood, Granville, Seguin 300 

363 Sorley, James, Galveston.... 362 
Southern Age, Galveston 302 

362 Southern Monitor, Philadel- 

phia 362 

366 Sullivan, J. S., Galveston.... 362 

364 Talt, L.. Houston 361 

361 ! Tavlor, Matthew, NewBraun- 

359 I fels 362 

362 Texas Land Agencj', J. De 
361 Cordova 356 

I Texas Land Agency, P. De 
361 1 Cordova 356 

I Washington Hotel, Galveston 361 

355 White Sulphur Springs 360 

361 Agent and Land-Locater 321 

3C1 Almanac for ascertaining maturity 

367 of bills 321 

Almanac, Mercantile, for 1S58 

303 Altitude, Latitude and Longitude... 105 
302 j i Alphabetical List of Jhisonic Lodges 324 

359 Alphabciical Table of Streams 83 

307 ; American Land and Tax-Paj'ing 
302 ij Agency 68 

364 [ Amount and Value of Property for 

301 j 1850 and 1S57 305 

365 ' Anderson County 284 

Archer. Branch T 170 

357 AreaofTexns 24 

302 I Area of all the counties of Texas.. 104 
365 ' , Assessmcut of property for 1856 308 

16* 



370 



INDEX. 



Astronomical Position 3 

Attorneys, District 315 

Austin, to New Orleans, Conveyances 194 

to Columbus 195 

County 220 

to San Antonio (Stage) 195 

to Indianola 197 

to Stiuson's Ferry, Distance.. 200 

State Gazette 105 

City of 260 

College 285 

Sentinel 263 

Bandera County 252 

Bank, Commercial and Agricultural 243 

Bastrop County 218 

Lands for Sale 303 

Bay, Lake and River Improvements 336 

Baylor University 217 

Bee, Barnard E 130 

Belknap to Croghan 198 

Bell County 283 

Bexar County 268 

Biographical Sketches of 

Archer, Branch T 170 

Bee, Barnard E 130 

Burleson, Edward 172 

Burnet, David G 156 

Coryell, James 153 

Erath, Geo. B 128 

Houston, Sam 178 

Jones, Anson 138 

Lamar, M. B 179 

Libscomb, Abner S 171 

Lubbock, Francis R 168 

McLennan, Neil, Sen 154 

Milam, Benjamin R 144 

Navarro, Jose Antonio 145 

Rusk, Thomas J 165 

Ward, Thos. Wm 160 

AVilson, James C 127 

Blind Institution 269 

Blinn, John L 263 

Bosque County 278 

Boston, Pierce & Bacon's Line from 

Galveston to 192 

Boundaries 3 

Bounty Lands from General Govern- 
ment 187 

Brazoria County 282 

Brazos River, distances up from Gal- 
veston 243 

Brown County 286 

Burleson, Edward, Gen 172 

Burnet, David G., Judge 156 

Countv 208 



Burning Prairie or Woodland 35 

Bushel, What makes a 99 

Calhoun Count.y 288 

Calendar, Court 314 

Caro, Thomas, League for sale 304 

Catholic Cathedral, Galveston...;.... 238 

Cattle, San Saba county 256 

Cattle, Texas 54 

Central Texasand Houston Railroad 93 

Certificates, To Owners of 65 

Charters, Railroad 334 

Charters, Railroad, forfeited 334 

Churches of Old-School Presby- 
terians 60 

Churches at city of Austin 260 

Civilian and Gazette 51 

Clark & Faulkner's Agency 68 

Clerks, To 25 

Climate, Our 106 

Closing of the Land-Office 331 

Cold and Heat, Extremes of 106 

Collecting and Land Agency 99 

Conveyances, Record your Deeds 

and! ! 103 

College, Austin 285 

Law 286 

Colorado Sulphur Spring 257 

Columbus, to Ilarrisburg, and Aus- 
tin, railroad and stage 195 

Comal Countj- 248 

Commercial and Agricultural Bank 243 
Commissioners of Deeds for Texas... 15 

Comptroller's Report 336 

Cooke County 289 

Cooke Land District 289 

Corpus Christi to difi'crent Forts 197 

to Stinson's Ferry.... 200 

Coryell, James 153 

County 212 

Cotton, Texas Silk 242 

County, Dallas 73 

Clerks and Survej'ors 191 

Court Calendar 314 

Courts, District 315 

District, Terms of the 317 

Federal 316 

of Claims, United States 

of Justice 313 

Supreme 313 

Counsellors-at-Law. 

Austin, E. T., Galveston 361 

Bellinger & Jack, Galveston 363 

Bovvers, M. H., Austin 354 

Chalmers, A. H. Williamsburg 361 
Chamberlain & Flint, Belton 361 
Cooley, A. C, Fredericksburg 361 



INDEX. 



371 



Counskllors-at-Law. 

Glass, William S., 3G3 

IlarrisDii, Thomas, Waco 36;5 

Ilaitlcv, 0. C. & K. K .S(i2 

Hewctt & Newton 361 

Ireland, John, Seguin 361 j 

Johnson, K. D., Galveston... 361 
Leigh, W. B., San Antonio.. 363 [ 
Merriiuan, F. II., Galveston. 363 ^ 
Paschal it Co., San Antonio 360 : 

Paschal & Co., Austin 360 ! 

Perkins & Keith, Houston ... 361 

Kobards, Willis S 363 

Sherwood, Granville, Seguiu 360 
Thompson, S. A., Galveston 363 

Thompson & Tompkins, 363 1 

Tucker, Philip C, Galveston, 363 
Wajlder, Jacob, San Antonio, 363 \ 
■Walker, James C. Fairfield... 363 
Williams & Menard, 361 

COUNTIKS. 

Anderson 284 

Austin 220 

Bandera 252 

Bastrop 218, 302 

Bell 283 

Bc.\ar 268 

Bosque 278 

Brazoria 2s2 

Brown 286 

Burleson 262 

Burnet 208 

Calhoun 288 

Comal 248! 

Cooke 289; 

Coryell 212 

Dalhis 73 

Erath 300 

Falls 2.S4 

Fort Bend 2.s7 

Fayette 214 

Galveston 234 

Goliad 222 

Guadalupe 276 

Harris 226 

Hays 2<.t7 

Henderson 303 

Jasper 27!) 

Lampases 274 

Liberty 224 

Live-Oiik 2.J4 

Matagorda 281 

McLennan 213 

Milam 201 

Montgomery 246 



COUXTIKS. 

Newton 280 

Orange 280 

Kobertson 250 

San Saba 255 

Travis 259 

Tyler 280 

Walker 285 

Washington 216 

Williamson 279 

Young 289 

Counties in Te.xas 70 

wheu created and from what 70 

Original 70 

Number created each year... 73 

Area of the 104 

Cumberland Presbyterians 60 

Cutting or destroying Timber 35 

Dallas County...! 73 

Debtof Texas. Foreignaud Domestic 36 

Public 37 

De Cordova, P., Notary Public and 

Commissioner 28 

Deeds and acknowledgments 12 

form of 12 

Commissioners of 15 

record your Con vcj-ances and 103 

Dc Cordova, J.. Map of Te.xas 29 

Denton Fork of Trinity 79 

L)crivation of the names of counties 299 

Dimensions 3 

Discontinued Post-Otfices 358 

District Attorneys 315 

Courts, 315 

Courts, Terms of 317 

Judges 315 

Eagle Pass to San Antonio 197 

Elevation of Different Points 4 

El Paso on the Rio Gnindc, from the 

Pecos River to 46 

El Paso, Memphis and Paeitic Rail- 
road 94 

Emigrants, Word of Advice to 21 

Erath, Capt. George B 128 

I County .' 300 

j European Trade 333 

! E.xtremes of Heat and Cold 106 

Facts for the People 51 

t Falls County 284 

Farmers, T< 55 

Fayette County 214 

1 Federal Courts. 

Eastern District 316 

Terms of Court 316 

Western District old 



372 



INDEX. 



Pirst Grand Lodge of the Masonic 

body 323 

Forts — distances to important points 197 

Belknap to Croghan 198 

from one fort to another 198 

to important points 198 

Fort Chadbourne to Mustang Springs 40 

Bend County 287 

Locality of 108 

Foundries and Machine-Shops 237 

Free and Slave Labor 351 

Fruits, Flowers and Garden Truck.. 354 

Forfeited Railroad Charters 334 

Galveston, distances up the Brazos 

River from 243 

Galveston, distances up the Trinity 

River from 244 

Galveston News 272 

Galveston. 

Her Imports and Exports 68 

Hendley's Line to New York 192 

Star Line to New York 192 

Pierce & Bacon's Line to Bos- 
ton 192 

to Virginia Point Ferry 193 

to New Orleans, Southern 

Steamship 193 

to New Orleans, Vanderbilt's 

Line 193 

to Houston by railroad and 

stage 193 

to Gonzales, stage line 195 

Female Seminary 238 

County 234 

Galveston, her Imports and Exports 68 
Galveston, Houston and Henderson 

Railroad 95, 237 

Galveston Foundries and Machiue- 

Shops 237 

Gaming, Law of 37 

Garden Truck, Fruits and Flowers... 354 

Geology of Texas 98 

Gov. Pease's Message, Synopsis of. 335 

Goliad County 222 

Gonzales to Galveston, stages 195 

Government, Form of 3 

Governors, Votes for 5 

Grand Lodge of the Masonic body.. 323 

Grande Ecore to Sabine, stages 197 

to Stinson's Ferrj', distance... 200 

Guadalupe High School 277 

County 276 

Gulf of Mexico and Bays 73 

Harris County 226 



Harrisburg to Columbus and Austin, 

stages and railroad 195 

Hays County 297 

Heat and Cold, Extremes of. 106 

Helena to Little Rock, stage 191 

Austin, distance 199 

Henderson, J. Pinckney, Life of 187 

Henderson County 303 

Henderson to Houston, distance 200 

Liberty, distance 200 

High School. Guadalupe County 277 

Home iu Bastrop County 219 

Houston, Gen. Sam 178 

Houston to Galveston, steamers 193 

to Washington, stage 193 

Henderson and Galveston 

Railroad 95 

and Texas Central Railroad... 93 
to Huntsville, stage and rail- 
road 195 

to La Grange, stage and rail- 
road 195 

to Waco, stage and railroad., 196 

to Henderson, distance 200 

and Brazoria Railroad 232 

and Central Railroad 232 

Tap Road 232 

rales of wharfage 228 . 

rates of freight 229 

Huntsville to Houston 195 

Housewives, Information for 100 

Immigrants, To 20 

Importance of a Single Vote 32 

Importation of Lumber 39 

Important Facts to Immigrants 106 

Independent Order of Odd-Fellows.. 96 
Indianola Southern Steamship Line 

to N. Orleans and Galveston 193 
Vanderbilt's Line to New Or- 
leans and Galveston 193 

San Antonio, stages 197 

Austin 197 

Indian Trading-House 293 

Information for Housewives 100 

Information for Revolutionary Sol- 
diers 18 

Intelligencer, Southern 263 

Interest, Rate of. 35 

Institution for the Blind 259 

Island City House 243 

James, John, League, Plan of the... 301 

Jasper County 279 

.Jewish Denomination 64 

Jones, Dr. Anson 138 

his Valedictory Address 141 



INDEX. 



373 



Jones's Express 229 

Judicial Sale-Days 314 

Judges, Distriet 315 

Kimball Block, Plan of 301 

LaUor-Saving Agricultural Imple- 
ments 349 

Labor, Slave and Free 351 

Lake, River and Bay Improvements 336 

La Grange to Houston 195 

Lamar, Gen. M. B 179 

Lampases County 274 

Land Titles 6 

Measure 17 

Certificates, To Owners of.... 65 

and Collecting Agency 99 

Lands sold for Taxes 11 

Land-Loeater and Agent 321 

Lands, Ten- League Grants of. 330 

Certain grants declared for- 
feited 331 

Void claims, grants and 

titles to 332 

Lands for Sale in Difierent Counties 109 

Land-Office, Closing of the 331 

Latitude and Longitude of Principal 

Points 4 

Latitude, Longitude and Altitude... 105 

Liberty County 224 

distance from Henderson 200 

Libscomb, Judge Abner B 171 

Lifeboat Company, Galveston 235 

Limitation of Suits for Real Estate. 16 
Liquor License Law, and Gaming... 35 

List of Post-Offices in Texas 342 

Little Rock, to Memphis 191 

to Helena 191 

Live-Oak County 254 

Live-Oak Female Seminary 217 

Llano Estacado and the Valley of 

Red River, Country between 50 

Lodges, Alphabetical List of Ma- 
sonic 324 

Lodge, First Grand 323 

Longitude and Latitude of Principal 

Points 4 

Longitude, Altitude and Latitude... 105 

Lubbock, Francis R 168 

Lumber, Importation of. 39 

Machine-Shop and Foundries 237 

Map of Texas, J. De Cordova's 29 

Marital Rights, Law relating to 33 

Marshall to Nacogdoches, stages.... 195 

Martinez League 302 

Masonic Grand Lodge, First 323 

Masonic Lodges, Alphabetical List. 324 



Masonry 323 

Matagorda County 281 

Maturity of Bills, Table showing... 321 
McLennan, Neil, Sen 154 

County 213 

Meat, How to Salt 31 

Mechanics, To 25 

Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Rail- 
road 95 

Memphis to Little Rock, stage 191 

to Stinson's Ferry, distance.. 200 

Merchants, To 25 

Mercantile Almanac for 1858 322 

Message, Synopsis of Gov. Pease's.. 335 

Methodist Denomination 328 

Mezquite-Tree 273 

Mexico, Tributaries of Gulf of. 73 

Mexican Gulf and Henderson Rail- 
road 95 

Mexican Gulf and San Antonio Rail- 
road 94 

Milam, Col. Benjamin R 144 

County 201 

Military Institute, Texas Monument 

and 215 

Mills, R. & D. G 243 

Ministers, Old-School Presbyterian. 69 

Cumberland Presbyterian.... 60 

Montgomery 246 

Monument and Military Institute... 215 

Moss and Paper-Making 37 

Mouth of Red River to Nacogdoches, 

stages 196 

Mustang Springs, from Fort Chad- 
bourne 40 

Mustang Springs to Pecos River, 

from 43 

Nacogdoches to Marshall, stages,.... 196 

to mouth of Red River, stages 196 

AVashiugton, stages 196 

Navarro, Jose Antonio 145 

New Braunfels 248 

Newton County 280 

New Orleans, Vauderbilt's Line to 

Galveston, and Indiauola.. 193 

Southern Steamship Line to 
Galveston and Indianola... 193 

to Austin, conveyances 194 

to San Antonio, distances.... 198 
New York, Star Line of Packets 
from Galveston 192 

Hcndley's Line from Galves- 
ton 192 

Notary Public of Travis County 28 

Odd-Fellows' Lodges 98 



374 



INDEX. 



Old-School Presbyterians 59 

Opelousas Railroad 95 

Orange County 280 

Pacific Piailroad, Description of. 40 

Pacific Railroad, Southern 95 

Pacific, Memphis and El Paso 94 

Pan-Handle Country 293 

Paper-Making and Moss 37 

Patents, Record your 103 

Pay up your Taxes 103 

Pecos River to Mustang Springs, 

Description of Country from 43 

Pecos River to El Paso on the Rio 
Grande, Description of Country 

from 46 

Peach Brandy 22 

Politicians, To 25 

Population of Texas 5 

Postage, Rates of 97 

Position of Texas and her Puhlic 

Men 100 

Power, Water, in Texas 09 

Prairie and Woodland, Burning 35 i 

Pre-emption Claims 91 

Form of Certificates for 10 i 

Form of Reports 11 

Presidents, Votes for 5 I 

Presbyterians, Old-School 59 

Cumberland 60 

Politicians, To 26 

Post-Offiee Department 341 

Post-OfBces discontinued 348 

Property, Amount and Value, for 

1856 and 1857 305 

Public Buildings 260 

Debt of Texas 37 

Scaled Value 37 

Men of Texas 100 

Railroads : 

Texas 93 

Galveston, Houston and Hen- 
derson 95 

Houston and Texas Central. 93 
Memphis, El Paso and Pacific 94 

Opelousas 95 

San Antonio and Mexican 

Gulf 94 

Southern Pacific 95 

Pacific, Description of Route 40 
Kates of postage to foreign countries 337 
Real Estate, Limitation of suits for 16 
Record your Patents, Deeds and 

Conveyances 103 

Redemption of Lands sold for Taxes 1 1 
Red-Ochre Clay 348 



Report, Comptroller's, Synopsis of.. 336 
Revolutionary Soldiers, Information 

for 18 

Rivers and their Tributaries 73 

Alphabetical list of 83 

River, Bay and Lake Improvements 336 

Robertson County 250 

Sale-Days, Judicial 314 

Salting Meat 30 

Salt-AVorks 274 

San Antonio, City of 268 

and Mexican Gulf 

Railroad 94 

San Saba County 255 

Sheep-Raising in Texas 54 

Silk Cotton, Texas 242 

Southern Intelligencer 263 

Supreme Court 313 

Stimson"s Feruy, distance to 

Austin 200 

Corpus Christi 200 

Grand Ecore 200 

Memphis 200 

Shreveport 200 

Tyler 200 

St. Mary's College 238 

Streams in Texas, Alphabetical List 83 

Sulphur Springs of Colorado River 257 

of Lampasas co.... 274 

Taxation, Amount for 10 years 305 

Taxes, pay up, or you will lose your 

land 103 

Redcmptionof Lands sold for 11 

Schools and Railroads 66 

Ten-League Grants 330 

Texas : 

Her Position and her Public 

men 100 

Land Measure 17 

Map of, by J. De Cordova... 29 
and N. York Line of Packets 244 
Thermometer, Range of, in Travis 

County '. 264 

Timber, On cutting or destroying... 35 

Titles to Lands 6 

Trade, European 333 

Trading-House, Indian 293 

Traveller's Guide 191 

Travis County 259 

W. Barret 259 

Tremont House, Galveston 243 

Tributaries of following Streams. 

Alabama Creek 80 

Angelina River 80 

Arenoso River 74 



INDEX. 



375 



Atascoso River 74 

Atoyae River 80 

Ayisli IJujuii 80 

Beavor Creek 81 

Big Wichita 81 

Big Cypress Creek 82 

Big Shawuee Creek 80 

Boggy Creek 81 

Bois d'Arc 81 

Bois d'Arc Creek 80 

Bosque, North 78 

Bosque, South 77 

Brady's Creek 76 

Brazos River 77 

Buflalo Buvou 78 

Caddo Lake 82 

Cibolo River 75 

Clear Fork of the Brazos 78 

Colorado River 75 

Concho River 75 

Cutto de los Laurelk'S 74 

Denton Fork of Trinitv 79 

East Fork of Trinity.." 81 

Elm Fork of Trinity 79 

Guadalupe River 74 

Hickory Creek 76 

Hondo River 74 

Jordan's Creek 79 

Kickapoo Creek 80 

Lavaca River 76 

Lampasas 78 

Leon River 76 

Little Brazos 77 

Little Cypress Creek 82 

Little River 77 

Little Wichita 81 

Llano River 76 

Mission River 74 

Mukewatcr Creek 75 

Navasoto River 77 

Navidad River 76 

Neches River 80 

North Fork of Colorado River 75 

North Bosque 78 

North Fork of Sulphur 79 

Nueces River 74 



Onion Creek 76 

Pease River 81 

Pocan Bayou 76 

Pecan Creek , 81 

Purdenales River 7G 

Pine Island Bayou 80 

Red River 81 

Rii) (Jrande 74 

Rio Frio 74 

Sabine River 82 

San Antonio River 75 

San Fernando 74 

Sandy Creek 76 

San Gabriel 78 

San Jacinto River 78 

San Saba River 75 

South Fork of Sulphur 79 

Spring Creek 78 

Sulphur Fork of Red River.. 78 

Trinity River 79 

Elm Fork of 79 

I'jiper Keechi Creek 81 

AVest Fork of Trinity 79 

"White Rock Creek 81 

AVhite Oak Bayou 79 

■Wichita River, Little 81 

Wichita River, Big 81 

Yegua 78 

Usury, Law on 35 

Virginia Point Ferry to Galveston.. 193 

Waco to Houston, stage route 196 

Walker, Tipton 4 

Waltman League, Plan of 296 

Ward, Thomas Wm 160 

Washington County 216 

House 243 

to Houston, by st.age and 

railroad 193 

to Nacogdoches, stage route 196 

Water-Power 69, 211 

AA'ebbervillc 261 

AVilliainson County 279 

Wilson, James C 127 

Worth Knowing 23 

Young County 289 

Young Laud District 289 



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